There’s nothing like nature to get you inspired and active. Whether training for a backpacking adventure or hiking on the weekends, you’ve likely felt the effects of sore muscles and aching joints. These injuries can keep you from the trails and interrupt your summer fun. At Spine & Sports Rehabilitation Pain Management, our pain management doctors on Long Island are well-versed in treating hiking injuries. Our team would like to share some prevention tips, so continue reading to learn more!

Preventing Injury When Hiking

Hiking is generally a relatively safe activity, but accidents can happen and cut your walk short. Before you head out on the trail, our pain management doctors on Long Island would like to share some precautions to help you protect yourself from injury. Here are some tips for injury-free hiking:

• Wear Proper Shoes – The feet and ankles are often injured during hikes. Proper hiking boots support your feet, stabilize your ankles, and protect against painful sprains and strains. Ill-fitting hiking boots can also cause blisters, which can potentially become infected. 
• Avoid Overloading – It’s natural to want to be prepared for anything on a hike, but overloading your backpack can lead to back pain or cause you to fall and injure another part of your body. Keep your backpack as light as possible and only pack the essentials. 
• Use a Pole – Rocks, bumps, and uneven terrain can throw off your balance. A hiking pole can keep you steady as you navigate varying landscapes and minimize your ankle or knee injury risk. 
• Strengthen Muscles – This helps prevent injuries to your lower extremities. It’s essential to strengthen the muscles surrounding the knees. Strengthening muscles helps stabilize and support your knees as you hike a trail. 

Even if you are cautious, you can still be at risk of an injury. If you get injured on a hike, our team is here to help you get back on the trail safely and efficiently. 

Contact Our Pain Management Doctors on Long Island

A sudden injury can cut an enjoyable walk short. Our team at Spine & Sports Rehabilitation Pain Management is here to ensure a safe trek and manage any injuries that arise. To learn more about preventing injury when hiking, be sure to contact us today!