Windsurfing medicine

Abstract

Although windsurfing enjoys a reputation of being a fairly safe activity, a wide range of acute and overuse injuries and illnesses as well as some life threatening have been connected to this sport. Acute injuries mainly affect the lower limbs. These consist mostly of sprains or “foot strap injuries” and of lacerations or wounds caused by contact with equipment or the sea floor. Lower back pain is widely reported as the most common chronic symptom followed by tendinitis and enthesitis. Wounds need to be treated with caution, as infection is commonly caused by sand and water contamination. Infectious diseases are also reported since windsurfing is often tolerated in areas where bathing is considered to be unsafe due to water pollution.