St. Lukes Elks Rehab Blog

Gardening is a popular pastime this time of year, and while most of the time it’s fairly safe there is the possibility of injury.  Aches, pains and other injuries occur every once in a while, but luckily can be easily avoided if you go out prepared.

            Sunscreen, long clothing and sunglasses should be your first line of defense.  You should also drink plenty of water before, during and after being outside.  Dehydration and hot weather can cause “Heat Exhaustion.”

Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion include:

·        Muscle cramps

·        Dizziness

·        Headache

·        cold and clammy skin

Immediately go indoors where it is cool and rehydrate.  If left untreated Heat Exhaustion can lead to “Heat Stroke.”  Heat Stroke is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention.  Contact your doctor with any questions or concerns about Heat Exhaustion or Heat Stroke.

Symptoms of Heat Stroke include:

·        Difficulty breathing

·        Hallucinations

·        Seizures

·        Death

Muscular injuries can occur from the heavy lifting, bending, stooping or other repetitive movements.  When working in the garden use a stool to sit on instead of being on your hands and knees; this will help prevent low back, sprained wrists and strained shoulders.  If you are standing most of the time avoid stooping forward; instead bend at your knees or use gardening tools to reach the ground.  It is very common to experience delayed back pain after too much bending or twisting.  Muscles can spasm up to 8 hours AFTER the injury has occurred.  So, maintain good posture at all times.  Another option is to work on a raised bench or elevated plots, so you don’t have to constantly bend down.

Common symptoms of low back injuries include:

·        Pain when bending forward

·        Pain or stiffness rising from bed or a chair

Common symptoms of shoulder injuries include:

·        Pain when reaching over head

·        Pain and stiffness when reaching behind you

·        Difficulty twisting lids off jars

            Prevention is the best way to avoid injuries and pain this spring.  Remember these tips in order to help have a fruitful and pain-free summer.

·        Plan ahead with appropriate amounts of water, clothing and tools.

·        Gardening in the early morning and late evening in order to avoid the hottest parts of the day.

·        Stretching before AND after, especially if you have any history of injures.

Filed under: Common Aches & Pains