The average person will walk more than 100,000 miles in their lifetime — enough to circle the earth four times, according to Wise Geek. An 80-year-old with a moderately active lifestyle, who started walking at the age of one, will have placed one foot in front of the other more than 200 million times. Losing your balance or stepping onto an uneven surface is bound to happen along life’s journey. That’s probably why ankle sprains are so common.
Shipping crew often work in tight quarters on cargo ships, offshore platforms and rigs. Avoiding ankle sprains that can sideline crew for anywhere from a couple days to six weeks or more is a good idea.
Global Catering Canada wants to ensure that ship owners and managers have a healthy crew that can complete their daily tasks and remain injury free. To do that, we provide the victualling and marine catering services. We know that a balanced meal, and good food aboard your ships, keeps the crew in good shape and that goes a long way. But here are a few tips on how crew members can avoid ankle sprains and how to treat them.
Familydoctor.org describes a sprain as a torn or stretched ligament. Ligaments connect bones and help keep them from moving out of place. A sprain can occur when you land awkwardly on your ankle or twist it in an unnatural direction.
How will you know?
You might have an ankle sprain if:
you experience pain or tenderness in your ankle
your ankle sudden swells
your ankle seems bruised
your ankle feels numb
your ankle is suddenly unable to bear your weight
you experience stiffness in your ankle
The severity of the sprain often depends on how swollen the ankle is.
What to do?
If left untreated, an ankle sprain can make you more likely to suffer similar injuries. It’s important to see the ship’s physician as soon as possible if you’re suffering from any of the symptoms above. You may require X Rays to determine if anythings was fractured.
Use R.I.C.E.
Most websites and doctors will advise you to use R.I.C.E. Not, we’re not talking about the grain. We mean “rest, ice, compression and elevation.” Using R.I.C.E. can help to speed the healing process. You may be able to walk regularly within a couple days, but it could take several weeks. A doctor might prescribe anti-inflammatory pain medication or even some physiotherapy to help you regain strength in the ankle.
How can I avoid an ankle sprain?
Be careful when navigating the ship, especially on uneven or slippery surfaces.
Use proper footwear that supports your foot and ankle while you work and ensure that it fits properly. Too much space and you lose support, which could lead to a sprain.
Maintain a healthy body weight. More weight on your ankles could increase the likelihood of a sprain.
Share these tips with others in the maritime shipping industry and perhaps we can reduce the amount of ankle sprains and keep crews healthier. In the meantime, Global Catering Canada will continue to provide healthy meals to support crews and keep them on their feet.