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Backpacking-induced paresthesias.

David R Boulware1

  • 1Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA. Boulw001@umn.edu

Wilderness & Environmental Medicine
|October 2, 2003
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

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Paresthesias, or nerve-related symptoms like numbness, affected 34% of long-distance Appalachian Trail backpackers. These symptoms, though uncomfortable, typically resolved after hiking concluded.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Sports Medicine
  • Orthopedics

Background:

  • Long-distance hiking, such as on the Appalachian Trail, involves prolonged physical stress.
  • Nerve-related symptoms like paresthesias (numbness, tingling, or burning sensations) can occur but are not well-documented in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of paresthesias in long-distance backpackers.
  • To identify risk factors associated with developing paresthesias during extended hikes.

Main Methods:

  • Interviews were conducted with backpackers hiking at least 7 days on the Appalachian Trail.
  • A mailed questionnaire assessed injury and illness incidence post-hike.
  • Paresthesias were defined as numbness or "phantom, burning, or shooting pains."

Related Experiment Videos

  • Case-control analysis identified risk factors for paresthesias.

    • Main Results:

    • 34% (96/280) of backpackers reported paresthesias, most commonly numbness (81%).
    • Significant risk factors included hiking over 2000 miles and longer hiking duration.
    • Common types included nonspecific paresthesias, meralgia paresthetica, and digitalgia paresthetica.

    Conclusions:

    • Paresthesias are a common, albeit distressing, complaint among long-distance backpackers.
    • These neuropathic symptoms were generally self-limiting and resolved post-hiking.
    • Further research could explore preventative strategies for hiking-related neuropathies.