After being cooped up from such a late and snowy spring, us Minnesotans are busting at the seams to get outside and simply be active! But, it’s important to remember that spring is typically the busiest time of the year for the board-certified ER doctors and staff in The Urgency Room’s three Twin Cities locations. Why? They see a whole host of injuries. Here are the top injuries seen in senior patients this time of year and important information to help you avoid them:
Abrupt or intense exercise
Whether it’s a brisk walk with friends or an 18-hole round of golf, jumping right back into exercise after a long winter can lead to significant injuries. For older Minnesotans especially, it’s important to resume activities slowly and gradually increase both the volume and intensity of exercise. Quickly resuming intense exercise can lead to overuse injuries such as shin splints or runner’s knee and many other aches and pains. Ignoring minor injuries can result in more significant injuries such as stress fractures and chronic overuse injuries that are more difficult to heal. Not surprisingly, hip and wrist fractures/breaks and ankle sprains are frequent during the spring and summer months.
Before increasing exercise or activity, it’s important to begin slowly with low-intensity exercises. Maybe just walk a half mile first to see how your body feels. Always warm up before exercising and cool down when done. Wear sturdy shoes drink plenty of water and trust your gut. If you feel too exhausted, dizzy or just off, stop. Most importantly, if you have any health conditions, talk to your doctor before starting a new exercise or sport so you can make a plan for easing into that activity safely.
Falls
Spring is when we clean in and around our house. That means emptying gutters of debris left over from winter storms, repainting the house, or cleaning way up high above cabinets and other neglected areas in the home. Each of these tasks comes with the risk of falling. Many people don’t use a ladder properly or try to stand on a chair or another unstable item. It’s also important to note that reflexes and coordination slow with age.
As well, muscle mass and strength decreases and we lose the power to react swiftly. Medications can also interfere with balance and increase fall risk. Falling can cause minor injuries like bruises or sprains, or more serious injuries, like broken bones or lacerations that need stitches. Studies show that over 300,000 individuals 65 years and older are hospitalized each year due to hip fractures which are typically caused by falls. Seniors are also much more prone to fracture as bones weaken with age.
Lawn Mower
More than 80,000 people go to the emergency room each year because of lawn mower injuries according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. These injuries included lacerations, soft tissue injuries, burns and fractures. To prevent injuries, consider the following tips:
- Pick up stones, toys and debris BEFORE mowing the lawn to prevent injuries from flying objects.
- Never pull backward or mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary – carefully look for others behind you when you do.
- Always wear eye and hearing protection.
Chainsaws
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, every year more than 35,000 people are treated in the ER for chainsaw injuries with the average injury requiring stitches. Let’s face it, chainsaws are incredibly dangerous for anyone who doesn’t adhere strictly to the following guidelines.
- Before using a chainsaw, check the blade sharpness, chain tension, idle speed, nuts and screws, and lubrication to make sure everything is set according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Use a saw equipped with a chain brake, anti-kickback chain, or other anti-kickback devices. Kick back is when the tip of the guide bar comes in contact with a solid object and jerks upward suddenly.
- Before starting the engine, make sure the saw is not in contact with anything.
- Do not drop start a chainsaw.
- Make sure to have a secure footing before making any cut.
- Do not cut above mid chest height.
- Use both hands to operate the chainsaw.
- Cut with the lower part of the saw blade, not the tip or nose.
Weed trimmer
Eye injuries accounted for 42.5% of all weed trimmer injuries. Too many people do not wear protective eye goggles when using a weed trimmer. The other area of concern is feet. Always wear long pants to protect legs from rocks or sticks and closed-toed shoes or boots to protect feet. Be sure not to use a weed trimmer near poison ivy as it will spread foliage and stems over your body, causing a massive allergic reaction.
Dehydration
Dehydration is a concern no matter what your age, but seniors are at an increased risk because their “thirst signal” is diminished. When a senior needs water they may not even realize it because they don’t feel thirsty like they once did. The result is a higher risk for dehydration and the injuries that it can cause including dizziness and the higher risk for falls.
Always drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially if you plan to be outside in the heat. It’s worth reconsidering exercise when the temperatures spike in the summer or contain activity to the morning or evening hours.
Cardiac concerns
Be very careful this spring and summer if you have a cardiac condition or are at high risk for one. Your desire to be active coupled with the heat can increase your risk for dehydration AND put you at a higher risk for a heart attack. Older Minnesotans with metabolic or cardio-pulmonary issues should consult their physicians prior to beginning a regular summer exercise program.
Spring and summer in Minnesota are way too short. Spend your time enjoying the beauty and the warmth while avoiding some of the top injuries we see at The Urgency Room.
Dr. Craig Matticks, Medical Director of The Urgency Room in Minneapolis.