How to avoid, treat hiking sprains, strains

Sprains occur when a ligament supporting a joint is stretched or torn. Ankles particularly are likely to suffer sprains among hikers. Closely related is a strain, which is when tendons or muscles are torn because they were overstretched.

Avoid sprains and strains by wear hiking boots that provide ankle support.

Symptoms of either a sprain or a strain include pain, tenderness and limited range of motion all in the affected area.

To treat, rest the affected area. If a victim must leave the area, help them walk and carry their backpack for them. Lightly apply the breakable ice pack, or your handkerchief soaked in cold water, over the sprain or strain. Place soft padding, secured with gauze, over the affected area. Elevate the affected area above the heart to reduce swelling and bruising.

Don’t have your children try to “walk it off.” They won’t be able to.

Related articles:
g Treating children's cuts and wounds on hiking trail
g Avoiding and treating child dehydration on the trail
g How to avoid and treat nosebleeds
g How to avoid and treat hiking kids' muscle cramps

Read more about day hiking with children in my guidebook Hikes with Tykes.

Treating children's cuts, wounds on hike

Image courtesy of africa / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Avoid cuts and wounds by following the same principles of safety to avoid falls. In addition, don’t go off trail through vegetation or climbing on rocks.

To treat a cut or wound, with an antiseptic clean the opening of sand, dirt, gravel and other debris. A cotton swab works well. To irrigate deeper cuts or wounds, a disposable syringe can be used. After drying it, apply an antibiotic ointment and then an adhesive bandage. If a wound, don’t use an adhesive bandage but cover it in gauze dressing and get medical attention immediately.

Never apply insect repellent to cuts or wounds (or to irritated skin, for that matter).

Related articles:
g How to prevent and treat hypothermia in children
g Avoiding and treating child dehydration on the trail
g How to avoid and treat nosebleeds
g How to avoid and treat hiking kids' muscle cramps

Read more about day hiking with children in my guidebook Hikes with Tykes.

Avoid, treat nosebleeds on hikes with kids

To stop a nosebleed, lean the head slightly forward and
punch just above the nostrils. Illustration courtesy of
Wikipedia.

Nosebleeds are not uncommon in children from two to 10 years old, and unless it was caused by a major trauma, such as running into a tree, it’s probably nothing to worry about. The typical reason for child nosebleeds is picking at it, but in the wilds, warm, dry air and rhinitis brought on by minor allergies to local plants can be a cause.

To prevent nosebleeds from occurring, the child should stop irritating the inside of the nose, such as not blowing it forcefully.

You can treat nosebleeds by having children lean their head slightly forward. Pinch just above the nostrils at the bridge of the nose, applying direct pressure for about 10 minutes. Spit out any blood in the mouth rather than swallowing it. To stop major nosebleeds, apply direct pressure as previously described. If that is ineffective, stuff gauze into the nostrils and seek medical attention. Don’t take out the gauze until seeing a medical professional.

Read more about day hiking with children in my guidebook Hikes with Tykes.