For the 10th consecutive year, Newton-Wellesley Hospital is offering a free marathon athlete’s injury clinic to provide diagnosis and treatment of injuries or illness that are the result of participating in the Boston Marathon.
The free medical clinic will be offered on Tuesday, April 20, and Tuesday, April 27, 5 to 7:30 p.m., in the Department of Rehabilitation Services at Newton-Wellesley Hospital, 2014 Washington St., Newton.
"We are happy to offer this free service to the athletes of the 114th Boston Marathon," said Jane Gruber, director of Rehabilitation Services at Newton-Wellesley Hospital. "Because many non-acute injuries and illnesses do not become evident right away, it is important that athletes have the opportunity to be evaluated and treated promptly to prevent certain conditions from becoming more serious."
A second clinic will be offered one week after the Marathon to help those runners who have lingering aches and pains.
"Some athletes know right away if they’ve injured themselves," said Carl Faust, PT, MS, senior physical therapist and coordinator of Newton-Wellesley Hospital’s Running Strong Program. "But some people choose the ‘wait and see’ approach hoping that their pain will go away with rest, and when it doesn’t, they come and see us."
Gruber says that athletes should consider coming to the clinic if they have any pain or swelling, or are suffering from blisters, cuts, abrasions, lacerations or from a fall while competing. Also, if an athlete feels ill or has excessive fatigue, they could be symptoms of dehydration and should be treated appropriately.
Walk-ins are welcome or to schedule an appointment, call Newton-Wellesley Hospital’s CareFinder Line at 617/243-6383 or email carefinder@partners.org.
NEWTON —
