Common Ailments While Hiking and How to Treat Them

Major accidents may be life threatening but they're not very common so don't worry too much about it but always be prepared for any emergency.

The fact is that most hikers are more likely to be affected by common ailments like cramps, blisters, cuts and grazes, bruising and sunburn.

These ailments may be minor but it can escalate into a major problem if not treated well. Always make sure you or your group carry a first aid kit.

Cramps

Cramps are usually a result of over-exertion and normally occurs in the early stages of a hike. The pain can occur quite suddenly and you won't be able to move the affect body part much without feeling pain.

It happens when a muscle is put under stress repeatedly when it is not receiving enough oxygen. The symptoms are pain in the muscles and uncontrollable tightening of the muscles.

Here are some things you can do to prevent cramps:
- condition your muscles by training and stretching at least a few weeks before the hiking trip
- be conscious of your exertion and rest regularly
- stay hydrated by drinking lots of water
- when you feel a cramp is coming, slow down and breathe slowly and deeply through your nose

To treat a cramp in your legs, massage and stretch the affected muscles and if you've been sweating a lot drink a sports drink.

Blisters

Blisters occur when the skin is rubbed repeatedly against a surface especially when the surface is rough. It is the major cause of discomfort on a hiking trip. It may start as a barely visible red spot but can be a major problem if left to become a full blown blister.

To prevent blisters, do the following:
- apply some sort of barrier against friction like a plaster or moleskin on the potential hot spots.
- wear smooth wicking socks next to the skin
- wear a well broken in boot that fit you right
- keep your feet dry and clean by removing your boots and airing your feet on breaks

To treat blisters:
- clean affected area with clean water and dry gently but thoroughly
- while it is generally recommended to pop a blister, it is advisable for hikers to do so as the continuous friction will eventually cause the blister to pop.
- when you pop the blister, make sure you clean and dry it. Prevent infection by protecting the affected area
- cover the area with plasters or padded moleskin.

Cuts and Grazes

There are many opportunities to get cuts and grazes when you're hiking in the wild. You can fall, scrape against rocks or get sliced by thorns.

Any sort of opening as a result of cuts and grazes should be cleaned and covered to prevent an infection. Trust me, you do not want an infection in the woods. If you get scrapes from falling on the ground full of dirt and sand, you need to rinse it off.

To treat it, you need to:
- clean the wound by rinsing it in cold running water if possible and dry it thoroughly.
- apply an antibiotic ointment and bandage with the correct dressing. Plasters won't do any good for large scrapes.
- apply pressure to stop any bleeding.

Bruising

When the blood vessels under your skin breaks when you fall or get hit by something you get bruises. When a bruise is severe, it may be an indication of deeper damage such as a fracture.

Follow these steps to treat bruises while on a hiking trip:
- use cold running water, ice or snow and apply it for at least five minutes to the affected area to reduce swelling.
- elevate the bruised area to reduce blood flow to it.

Sunburn

Sunburn contribute to dehydration, sunstroke and skin cancer. It is a constant hazard in the outdoors even on cloudy days and especially at high altitudes where there is less protection from UV rays. Reflection by the snow also increases the risk of sunburn.

You can tell if you are sunburnt by the reddish coloring of the skin which is also hot to the touch. If instead you see a blister, you need to be treated by a professional because blisters indicate a second-degree burn.

It is important that you monitor the amount of time you spend exposed to the sun and re-apply your sun lotion. Use a hat or wear clothes that cover the sensitive areas of skin.

Here's how to handle sunburns:
- move out of the sun into a shaded spot.
- drink frequently to combat dehydration caused by sunburn.
- sun cream or calamine lotion is great for soothing mild burns.
- To relieve the pain and discomfort, use cold water sponged onto the skin with a soft cloth.

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