FREE MARATHON INJURY CLINIC AT NEWTON-WELLESLEY HOSPITAL

Newton-Wellesley Hospital will again offer a free athlete’s POST Marathon 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 21 and Tuesday, April 28 from 5:00-7:30pm in the Surgical Center, East Entrance, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, 2014 Washington Street, Newton.

Staffed by a multi-disciplinary team with extensive knowledge and experience in sports medicine and marathon injuries, athletes coming to the clinic will be examined by a physician or podiatrist, as well as physical therapists, athletic trainers or nurses, as appropriate. If necessary, a physician may order x-rays and lab tests at no charge to the athlete. Participants will also receive treatment, based on their diagnosis, including braces, casts, and dressings, as well as advice on appropriate exercise and methods for reducing swelling, pain or inflammation.

“We are happy to offer these free services to the athletes of the 119th Boston Marathon,” said Danielle Cooper, a physical therapist 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,” added Cooper. “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.”

Cooper 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 for the POST Marathon Injury Clinics, call Newton-Wellesley Hospital’s CareFinder Line at 617/243-6383 or email carefinder@partners.org.

Newton-Wellesley Hospital, which is located at the Boston Marathon’s 17 mile mark, is an official medical provider of the Boston Marathon and partner with the Boston Athletic Association, providing pre and post-marathon services to athletes. Newton-Wellesley sponsors the Athletes Village Medical Tents, which house medical professionals to provide treatment for runners and spectators. Throughout the year, NWH offers outreach programs to help athletes avoid injury and maximize performance. For more information, go to www.nwh.org/runningstrong.