Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
pain and swelling, and fever that is sometimes high—requires immediate care by a physi-
cian, particularly when the person is febrile.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrowntoenailsarebestpreventedbytrimmingthetoenailsstraightacrosswithoutround-
ing the corners and by wearing well-fitted boots and socks. If pain and redness occur dur-
ing an outing, a wedge can be cut from the outer third of the nail. The offending sharp
corner must be removed. Warm soaks hasten recovery; as the nail regrows, elevating the
new corner with a pledget of gauze may prevent recurrence.
Corns and Calluses
Cornsandcallusesshouldbepreventedbywearingwell-fittedshoes.Iftheycausediscom-
fort on an outing, they can be shaved flat with a razor blade after they have been softened
by soaking in warm water.
BACK INJURIES
Strain and Spasm
Back pain is produced by a wide variety of disorders, such as carrying heavy loads,
working in an unaccustomed stooped position, or sleeping in an awkward position.
However, treatment is frequently frustrating. The measure that provides the greatest relief
is sleeping on a firm support. When sleeping outdoors, a mat that provides insulation but
little padding is best. Heat may help relieve muscle spasm. Mild analgesics such as acet-
aminophen may relieve the pain, but stronger medications may sometimes be necessary. A
few individuals have severe, incapacitating pain from muscle spasms.
Sciatica
Sciatica is a type of pain most commonly caused by disc extrusion or by bone spurs.
Discs are cushions of cartilaginous material that separate the vertebrae of the spinal
column. A so-called ruptured disc is an extrusion of this semisolid material into the spinal
canal so that it compresses the spinal cord or the nerves coming from the cord. The basic
defect is degeneration and weakening of the ligaments that normally hold this cushion in
place. Trauma is only the final incident. Unless the basic defect is present, trauma alone
usually fractures the vertebrae instead of causing the disc to rupture.
Similarpaincanbecausedbytheformationofsmallbonygrowthsknownasbonespurs
that impinge on the nerves coming from the spinal column. Such spurs are a feature of os-
teoarthritis and are common in older individuals.
Sciatica is caused by an extruded disc or bone spurs in the lumbosacral area. The symp-
toms are highly characteristic. Pain begins in the lower back, radiates to one side, and
passes through the buttock and down the back of the leg. The pain may involve the outside
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