IFA Exercise Injury

For example, if a client tells you of a specific pain that they're having and you say that they probably have such and such, you've just made a diagnosis. Now, if you further extend yourself by telling them that they should do this exercise or take ibuprofen for 3 days, you have prescribed a treatment (rehabilitative or drug), which should be done by a medical professional. The solution is very simple, tell them not to do the offending exercise and see their doctor if pain persists. Protect yourself legally and your client's physical well-being.

First-aid treatment is designed to provide pain relief and limit further injury immediatley after an acute injury in order to limit further injury, swelling, bleeding, etc. until a medical professional can attend to the injury. Don't confuse the two scenarios. First-aid treatment should be encouraged not forced. If a person refuses first-aid and you insist on providing it anyway, you're probably exposing yourself legally again. First-aid should be limited to Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation or RICE and advice to see their doctor.

If you pull a muscle or have a specific pain after exercising, the immediate first-aid treatment is RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation). Ice every 2 hours for about 10-15 minutes, over a 48 hour period. If injury doesn't respond to RICE in a couple of days, you should see a medical professional.

Chronic injuries fall into the "other" category of diagnosis and treatment. See a doctor.

Overuse injuries encompass a broad range of exercise-related injuries. These type injuries are caused by overtraining over a long period of time gradually weakening or irritating an area of the body until exercise becomes difficult or impossible, or other symptoms appear.

Most overuse injuries can be avoided by utilizing proper form and technique, appropriate rest, proper equipment and clothing (especially footwear), and a conservative increase of exercise frequency, intensity, or duration.

Patellofemoral Syndrome (Runner's Knee) is generalized knee pain. Generally caused by improper running form over a period of time and may or may not be due to a pathological condition of chondromalacia.

Chondromalacia is the wearing away of the cartilage on the back surface of the kneecap, manifested as a "clicking" or "grating" sound, and knee pain under the patella (kneecap).

Plantar fasciitis is literally an inflammation of the plantar fascia, a web of tough, fibrous connective tissue on the bottom of the foot.

Neuromas are irritated nerve endings, but can cause pain in the foot (or other places, depending on the nerve in question).

Either condition cold be caused by poor technique or simple overuse but should be examined by a physician to determine the cause. In the problem is orthopedic in nature, orthotic shoe inserts may be prescribed by a medical professional to alleviate future problems.

Tendonitis (inflamation of a tendon) and Bursitis (inflamation of the fluid filled cushioning sacs between tendons and bones) are common overuse injuries. Rehabilitation requires rest and the attention of a physician.

Osteoarthritis is caused by worn joint cartilage thereby exposing the joint surfaces swelling and edema (fluid buildup). Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto immune disorder in which the body's immune system attacks joint tissues.

Shin Splints are a common name for pain felt in the anterior portion of the lower leg and can be caused by a muscle imbalance. Shin Splints require rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE) and strengthening exercises to prevent future occurrences.

Pain can also be caused by a more serious condition known as a compartment syndrome where one of the compartments between the muscles becomes inflamed and swollen which stresses the blood vessels and nerves in the area. This situation requires immediate medical attention.

Exercise reactions, range from red blotchiness on the neck, face, or arms (uticaria), to exercise-induced Asthma or Bronchospasm, or even Anaphylaxis and Hyperventilation. Exercise-induced Anaphylaxis is an severe allergic reaction requiring immediate medical attention. A Physician may prescribe carrying a bee-sting kit as treatment.

Exercise-induced Asthma may be triggered by exercising in cold, dusty, or excessively humid environments, and can range in severity from mild coughing to severe discomfort. Individuals who suspect that they have exercise-induced asthma are encouraged to seek medical attention.

General recommendations for persons with exercise-induced Asthma include an extended warm-up, avoidance of cold, dusty, or extremely humid environments for exercise. A physician may recommend an inhaler.

Hyperventilation is the process of repeated quick and shallow breaths utilizing the top of the chest. This sharply reduces the level of carbon dioxide in the blood which causes the arteries in the body to constrict thereby reducing the flow of blood throughout the body. This includes the carotid artery to the brain. Lack of blood flow, and subsequently oxygen, trigger the sympathetic nervous system causing anxiety, irritability and confusion.

Hyperventilation can be caused by anxiety, extensive physical injuries or even heart or lung disease. It is important to keep the victim calm. Have everyone step back and give them some "breathing room". A crowd can increase the anxiety level for the victim.

Procedure:

In hot weather wear light clothing that breathes well, and allows for the evaporation of sweat.

"Sauna suits", "tummy wraps", and other products designed to encourage quick weight loss through sweat are particularly dangerous. The body can reach dangerous (or even fatal) core temperatures in very short periods of time. Any weight lost is simply water and will be regained as soon as water is ingested again.

Exercise at a reduced intensity during high humidity. The body is cooled by blood circulation and the evaporation of sweat. In a high humidity, evaporation becomes less effective at cooling, and the risk of heat-related injury is greater.

Adequate hydration is also key to safe exercise in the heat, as the body will produce large quantities of sweat. Ingest 1-2 cups of water before exercise and 4 oz every 10 to 15 minutes during exercise.

Thirst lags behind the body's need for fluid. By the time thirst is felt dehydration has occurred. Minor dehydration can affect performance, and severe dehydration can be life-threatening.

Contrary to popular belief, water consumed during exercise will not contribute to cramping, so "swish and spit" should be avoided in favor of consuming small amounts of water steadily during the exercise session. Dehydration can actually contribute to cramping.

In cold weather, dress in layers that will wick sweat away from the body. Remove outer layers as the body warms and replace during the cool-down to avoid an excessive chill.

High risk individuals are those who work or exercise outdoors, elderly people, young children, those with medical conditions that cause poor blood circulation, and those who take medications to get rid of water (diuretics).

The likelihood of Heat Disorder with prolonged exposure or strenuous activity is demonstrated in the following chart:

Activities performed in the Caution zone result in premature fatigue and, therefore, the inability to effectively pursue cardiovascular and weight training goals. Activities that are performed in the remaining zones can result in muscle cramps and the more severe Heat Stroke and Heat Exhaustion.

Heat Cramps are the least severe and first sign of an impending heat problem and is manifested by painful muscle spasms usually in the legs and abdomen.

Have the victim rest in a cool place. Give them cool water or a commercial sports drink. Lightly stretch and gently massage the area. The victim should NOT take salt tablets or salt water. The can make the situation worse.

Heat Exhaustion is more severe and is symptomized a cool, moist, pale or flushed skin, headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, and exhaustion.

Heat Stroke is the most severe heat emergency. The body systems are overwhelmed by heat and begin to stop functioning. Heat Stroke is a serious medical emergency that is manifested by red, hot, dry skin, loss of consciousness, a rapid, weak pulse, and rapid, shallow breathing.

Move the victim out of the heat. Loosen any tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths. If the victim is conscious, give cool water to drink. Do NOT allow he victim to drink too quickly. Give about one glass (4 ounces) of water every 15 minutes. Let the victim rest in a comfortable position and watch carefully for changes in their condition. The victim should not resume normal activities the same day.

Call 911 (or emergency services) if the victim refuses water, vomits, or losses consciousness. If the victim vomits, stop giving fluids and position the victim on their left side. Watch for signals of breathing problems. If you have ice packs or cold packs, place them on each of the victim's wrists, ankles, groin, armpit, and neck (a.k.a. pulse points). Do NOT apply rubbing (isopropyl alcohol).

Heat cramps, or heat exhaustion possible.

Frostbite is the freezing of tissue. The skin becomes yellowish, and will be cold to the touch. Provide first aid by warming the affected area using warm water. Do NOT rub the area, as this can cause further tissue damage. A medical professional is required to access the extent of the damage.

Hypothermia is a life-threatening condition wherein the core body temperature has become dangerously low. Many of the same symptoms as heat exhaustion, including dizziness, nausea, loss of appetite, vision problems, etc., may be present. In the case of hypothermia it is important to call 911 immediately, and use any means present to warm the victim, such as removing wet clothing or putting them in a sleeping bag with an unaffected person who can provide body warmth until help arrives.

Symptoms: short rapid breathing, (as if running), can be brought on by a number of factors, they include: