A Prevention and Treatment Program for Miners Leg Injuries A Prevention and Treatment Program for Miners

Disclaimer The information provided in this publication is designed only to provide education and awareness about the subjects discussed. This publication should not be used to diagnose or treat any medical condition. Any reader with an existing injury or medical condition should consult a medical professional. The authors are not responsible for any health problems that require medical supervision. Also, the authors are not liable for any damages or negative consequences from any treatment, action, application or preparation, to any person reading or following the information in this publication. References are provided for additional information only and do not constitute endorsement of any websites or other sources. Adapted from: http://ezinearrticles.com/?How-to-Write-a-Legal-Disclaimer-For-Your-Book&id=4723776

Project funded by: Project Sponsored by: US Department of Education Project Sponsored by: Shoshone County Development Committee Galena Mine University of Idaho College of Engineering and Civil Engineering Department

Frequency of Body Parts Often Sprained/Strained from 1990-2008

(National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)) (http://www.ichristianschool.org/biology/4thQuarter/31bbones.htm)

Hamstring Strain

Symptoms of Hamstring Strain Sudden sharp pain in the back of leg Pain when stretching the muscle Pain when contracting the muscle against resistance Swelling and bruising If severe a gap in the muscle may be felt

Treatment for Hamstring Strain R.I.C.E. method Compression bandage to minimize intra-muscular bleeding Strengthening stretches Strengthening exercises See a specialist

Recovery Time for Hamstring Strain 1 to 2 weeks for first degree 2 to 3 weeks for second degree 4 to 6 weeks for third degree

Quadriceps Strain

Symptoms of Quadriceps Strain Grade I: General feeling of tightness in the thigh Mild discomfort when walking Uncomfortable feeling when trying to straighten the knee Spasms may be felt at location of suspected tear Grade II: Sudden sharp pain when running or jumping Pain affects walking Swelling or mild bruising Unable to fully bend the knee Grade III: Sudden severe pain in the thigh Immediate swelling and or bruising Unable to walk Bulge in the muscle

Treatment for Quadriceps Strain Grade I: R.I.C.E. method for first 24 hours Cold therapy every 2-3 hours Use of compression bandage Rest for at least 72 hours Grade II: Cold therapy for 2-3 hours for 48 hours Use crutches See injury specialist Grade III: Stop use and ice immediately Rest with compression bandage Seek medical attention

Recovery Time for Quadriceps Strain 2 to 10 days for Grade I 10 days to 6 weeks for Grade II 6 to 10 weeks for Grade III

Knee Sprain

Symptoms of Knee Sprain Pain in the knee Swelling, redness, warmth or bruising around knee Decreased range of motion Inability to stand Tenderness where injured ligament attaches to the bone in the knee Swelling within the knee

Treatment for Knee Sprain R.I.C.E Method for first 24 hours Use of oral and topical pain medicines Use of a brace May have to wear cast for 2-3 weeks Rehabilitation exercises Surgery if necessary

Recovery Time for Knee Sprain 2 to 6 weeks for Grade I 6 to 8 weeks for Grade II 8 weeks to 10 months for Grade III

The muscles in the leg protect the joints and its important to have strength in all areas of the leg to avoid injury. Doing some leg, hip, and core strengthening stretches and exercises before and/or after a full day of work can significantly help reduce the chance of injuring the legs. The following are some stretches and exercises that can easily be done in a work environment.

Other Leg Strengthening Stretches and Exercises

Hip and Knee (Proformance Physical Therapy)

Quadriceps and Hamstrings (Proformance Physical Therapy)

Knees and Quadriceps (Proformance Physical Therapy)

Stretching and Strengthening (The StretchingHandbook.com)

Stretching and Strengthening (The StretchingHandbook.com)

“Arthroscopic surgery is performed through small incisions using a camera to visualize the inside of a joint. Through several small incisions (about 1 centimeter each) your surgeon will insert a camera into one incision, and small instruments through the other incisions.” (Cluett, Jonathan, M.D., About.com)

Cost Estimates for Arthroscopic Knee Surgery in Nearby Cities

References Nismat - Plone Foundation et al http://www.nismat.org/ptcor/ham Sports Injury Clinic http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/front/frontthigh/quadstrain.htm The BodyGuard by Antibody http://www.antibodywear.com/articles/quadricep-injuries-symptoms-treatment-3.asp Aurora Health Care http://www.aurorahealthcare.org/yourhealth/healthgate/getcontent.asp?urlhealthgate=11721.html MD Advice.com http://www.mdadvice.com/library/sport/sport267.html The Stretching Institute http://www.thestretchinghandbook.com/archives/patellofemoral-pain.php

Special Thanks to: Cindy Trentman, Physical Therapy Manager, at Shoshone Medical Center in Kellogg, Idaho Barrie Steele, Director of Athletic Training Services, at the University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho Terry Jacobs, Senior Human Resources and Safety Manager, and the miners at Galena Mine in Wallace, Idaho