Running with a Recent Injury?
I am a 34-year-old female weighing 185 pounds. Earlier today, I had a minor incident while riding my bike. This resulted in a fracture of my middle finger, along with five stitches in the nail bed and tip of the finger. Fortunately, I sustained no other injuries. The urgent care team advised me to keep the stitches dry for the first 24 hours and to avoid submerging them in water until the stitches are removed, which will be in ten days. However, I neglected to inquire about the implications of sweating. I am an avid runner and am currently preparing for an upcoming marathon. If I clean the wound thoroughly post-run, considering I tend to sweat quite a bit, am I still in the clear to resume running? I intend to take a break for a couple of days regardless, provided I’m alright to do so. Are there any additional concerns I should be aware of? They provided me with antibacterial ointment and dressing supplies to change the bandage every few days.
Answers (1)
7/11/2025, 2:11:01 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's great that you’re staying active and looking for ways to maintain your running routine while recovering from your injury. Given your recent fracture and stitches on your finger, it's important to take some precautions while supporting your healing process.
Main Points:
- Limit Running Temporarily: Take a break from running to allow your finger to begin healing.
- Wound Care: Pay special attention to keeping your stitches dry and clean, especially while managing sweat.
- Monitor for Complications: Be aware of any signs of infection or complications.
Explanation:
Your finger injury, while minor, does require some attention, especially since you have stitches. While light activities could potentially be resumed, running can cause increased sweating, which could complicate wound care. The urgent care team’s advice to keep stitches dry for the first 24 hours is crucial. After that, keeping the area clean and dry is key to preventing infections.
Sweating can make maintaining the cleanliness of the wound more challenging. If your stitches get wet or dirtied, it could lead to an increased risk of infection. Moreover, you want to avoid putting unnecessary strain on the injured finger while it’s healing.
Next Steps:
- Take a Break from Running: Give yourself at least 2-3 days to see how the healing progresses and consider low-impact alternatives like walking or light stationary cycling if comfortable.
- Wound Care Management: After each run or if you sweat significantly, make sure to clean the area around your stitches carefully with mild soap and water, avoiding direct contact with the stitches initially. Follow this with your antibacterial ointment as recommended, and re-dress the wound.
- Monitor Your Symptoms: Watch for any signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, pus, or fever. If you notice any of these, it's important to address them promptly.
- Stay Hydrated: Maintaining hydration is essential for your overall recovery and can help manage sweat.
If after a few days you feel comfortable and your wound is healing well, you can gradually ease back into running, but continue to protect your finger as needed. Taking these precautions now will help ensure a safe and effective return to your training routine. Let me know if you have any other questions or need further guidance!
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