When you think of injuries and the 4th of July, it’s pretty safe to say that “Fireworks” pop to mind . . . and rightfully so! From the need for hand therapy to physical therapy, our clinicians see the results of post 4th of July celebrations every year.
“We all think that people know the dangers of fireworks, especially to the hand and upper extremities,” says Heather Robinson, Certified Hand Therapist at ATI Hand Therapy in Plainfield, IL. “But each year, we see the result of firework shows gone wrong – including loss of fingers, severe burns and loss of function.”
In fact, according to The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 46% of all 4th of July injuries involve the hands and fingers.
“With these types of injuries, the patient often has multiple surgeries, pain and several months of rehabilitation,” adds Heather. “Please leave the firework shows to the professionals.”
Other Backyard Culprits
While fireworks pose more risk for injuries, other painful sprains and strains can lurk among the backyard fun and festivities on the 4th.
“If you’re not careful, heavy coolers, backyard sports and hot temps can turn your day off into a day of pain,” says Matt Holton, Certified Athletic Trainer with ATI Physical Therapy. Matt offers these tips when getting ready and participating in the day’s festivities:
- Lifting: Bend with your knees and put pressure through your heels when lifting coolers or lawn furniture. Keep the load close to your midline (bellybutton), and your body. Test an object’s weight by pushing it with your foot. If it seems too heavy, get help.
- Backyard Sports: Before that bump, set and spike with the volleyball, take a few minutes to do a dynamic warm-up and then stretch. Some examples of dynamic warm-up exercises are light jog, high knees, butt kickers, and jumping jacks. Make sure your hamstrings and quads are flexible.
- Hydrate: It’s important to get enough fluids before, during, and after activity. If you sweat, then you know it’s time to replenish. If you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated! Try to avoid excessive alcohol and caffeinated drinks.
- Heat Illness: Nausea, dizziness, headaches, confusion, fainting, fatigue, muscle cramps, pale skin, profuse sweating and a rapid heartbeat are all signs of heat illness. If you experience these symptoms, get out of the heat and rest. If symptoms don’t subside, seek medical attention.
- Cutting Safety: Keep that watermelon on a flat dry surface when it’s time to carve it, and be sure that knife is sharp and handle is dry. Never carve towards yourself, and keep your opposite hand away from the knife. Always stand while carving/chopping.
- Cooking: When your prepping those burgers and mixing those salads, be sure to stand on a padded surface, distributing your body weight equally between legs. Choose a work surface level with forearms when elbows are bent at a 90° angle.