Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

WANT TO STAY ACTIVE ON YOUR HOLIDAY?

If chair dancing is not your vibe, it’s fine to go for short walks if you can get shoes on and it isn’t painful. Make sure you’re wearing good, lace-up trainers and remain on flat, stable terrain. Before you ask, no, crocs are not walking shoes. When your ankle starts to hurt, it’s time to return to camp and crack out the cheese, nibbles, and re-acquaint yourself with the ice pack.

Alternativ­ely, cycling is a good way to keep active, as long as your ankle is pain-free. Avoid the temptation to hit the mountain bike track, though. Now is not the time to take risks. A swim or walking in the water is another option, however, without too much use of your feet. Never use flippers after an ankle injury, as these will overload the ligaments and tendons around the ankle and cause further damage.

If your ankle is still sore, swollen, or feels unstable two weeks post-injury, it’s time to see a physiother­apist. If your injury took place in New Zealand, you will be entitled to subsidised treatment and investigat­ions via ACC. You do not generally need a GP referral for treatment; book in with your preferred provider and they will be able to register your injury.

FIRST-AID KIT PREPARATIO­N

As the saying goes, if you have it, you won’t need it. I tend to have the most robust first-aid kit on our holidays, much to my family’s amusement. These are some must-haves for a foot or ankle injury.

• A soft ice pack (that will mould around

your foot)

• An instant ice pack to take in your backpack

• An ankle compressio­n sock or Tubigrip (correct size for everyone on your trip)

• Kinesio tape (K-tape)

• Pain relieving ointment or massage balm

• A spare sense of humour ■

“If your ankle is still sore, swollen, or feels unstable two weeks post-injury, it’s time to see a physiother­apist”