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

2. 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:

3. 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

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

5. (National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS))(

6. Hamstring Strain

7. 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

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

9. 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

10. Quadriceps Strain

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. Knee Sprain

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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.

22. Other Leg Strengthening Stretches and Exercises

23. Hip and Knee
(Proformance Physical Therapy)

24. Quadriceps and Hamstrings
(Proformance Physical Therapy)

25. Knees and Quadriceps
(Proformance Physical Therapy)

26. Stretching and Strengthening
(The StretchingHandbook.com)

27. Stretching and Strengthening
(The StretchingHandbook.com)

28. “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)

29. Cost Estimates for Arthroscopic Knee Surgery in Nearby Cities

30. References Nismat - Plone Foundation et al
Sports Injury Clinic
The BodyGuard by Antibody
Aurora Health Care
MD Advice.com
The Stretching Institute

31. 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