Carnival is a period of intense stir, with street blocks, parades and prolonged parties. In order to enjoy the revelry, it is common to stay longer standing during this time and, consequently, to make one more physical effort. However, carelessness can result in muscle injuries, twists and other health problems.
According to experts, the combination of long walks, dance and alcohol consumption can overload the body, especially for those who do not have the habit of doing physical activity regularly. The most common lesions in carnival are ankle sprains.
“After many hours samba, the feet can suffer from muscle fatigue, joint overload, bubbles, calluses and even more serious injuries. Women usually like to samba with high heels, which is not advisable. The shoe should be as comfortable as possible, light and soft, ”recalls Paulo Frederico de Carvalho, head of orthopedics at Hapvida Notredame Hospital in Rio de Janeiro.
Irregular surfaces, often wet, and crowded places contribute to the increased risk of falls. In addition, lack of hydration and proper diet can lead to fatigue, making any physical activity even risky.
“Excessive alcohol is one of the main villains, as it can hurt our perception of danger, making us more susceptible to falls and accidents. The accumulation of people in closed or tight spaces also increases the risks, as well as the use of inadequate or uncomfortable shoes, ”adds Sérgio Costa, orthopedist Brazilian Society of Orthopedics and Traumatology (SBOT).
To prevent cramps and body fatigue as a whole it is important to take care of food and stay hydrated during the holiday period.
“Drink plenty of water before, during and after the activity and consume rich potassium foods (eg bananas) to help prevent cramps,” adds Carvalho.
In addition, rest is fundamentally. According to experts, it is important to avoid doing impact activities for 24 to 48 hours after long sambando periods.
Here are some tips to avoid injuries and enjoy the party safely:
- Do stretching before and after the revelry;
- Wear comfortable and cushioned shoes;
- Moisturize well and avoid excess alcohol;
- Respect the limits of your body and rest when necessary;
- Pay attention to the floor that may be wet and slippery;
- Avoid carrying heavy backpacks to reduce spinal overload;
- Massage the feet to improve blood circulation, relieve tension points and prevent cramps;
- Make your feet elevation: Lie up and raise your feet above heart level, resting them on a pillow or wall for 15 to 20 minutes;
- In case of intense pain, seek medical attention.
This content was originally published in Carnival: see how to avoid injuries with specialists tips on the CNN Brazil website.
Source: CNN Brasil

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