Muscle Injuries
A muscle injury occurs because of overuse, fatigue, or improper muscle use. When an injury such as this occurs it can fall into one of the following categories: strained muscle, pulled muscle, or torn muscle. These injuries can occur while doing your everyday work, and if left untreated, can lead to serious impairments and pain in the future. If a farmer pulls a muscle turning a spinner wheel on a tractor and continues to “work through the pain,” this is when the injury has the potential to become more threatening. However, a typical quick response to the strain such as elevating the limb, applying ice and compression, trying some light stretching, and giving the injured limb sufficient rest can prove vastly beneficial rather than negligent to the afflicted area. Consider this one major detail: time is a factor. Negligence to any typical everyday muscle injury increases the risk of a little soreness turning into an exacerbating condition. Most muscle injuries can be remedied at home. As mentioned before, ice packs and heating elements are a common application. Although it may be the toughest thing for a farmer to do, adequate rest is a very valuable way to recover. According to the Arthritis and Agriculture Guide from the Arthritis Foundation, resting during the day especially during planting and harvesting time periods may be the most outlandish thing ever heard of but this is actually one of the most valuable things a farmer can do for his or her self. Another thing that seems to help for this common injury is topical solutions that provide some relief from the pain. If you know what the work day calls for, take time to plan adequate rest and break periods, you will thank yourself in the morning. Severe muscle injuries may result in medical treatment and possibly even surgery.
