S. Black, Author at St Mark James Training

Medial Ligament (MCL) Sprain: Knee Injury Awareness and First Aid

A medial ligament sprain—often referred to as an MCL sprain—involves damage to the ligament located on the inner (medial) side of the knee. This ligament helps stabilize the knee against inward forces. Injuries typically occur due to twisting movements, sudden changes in direction, or direct impact to the outside of the knee. Medial ligament sprains […]

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Gunshot Wound to the Chest: Emergency Awareness and First Aid Priorities

A gunshot wound to the chest is a life-threatening emergency due to the number of vital organs located within the chest cavity, including the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels. Injuries to this area can deteriorate rapidly and require immediate emergency medical care. Gunshot wounds are considered penetrating injuries, meaning the projectile enters the body

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Tight Calf Muscles: Overuse Injury Awareness and Prevention

Tight calf muscles are a common issue, particularly among runners, athletes, and individuals whose work involves prolonged standing or repetitive lower-leg movement. The calf muscle group is made up of two primary muscles—the gastrocnemius and the soleus—both of which play an important role in walking, running, and balance. When these muscles become tight, they can

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Ankle Impingement: Restricted Ankle Movement and Injury Awareness

Ankle impingement occurs when abnormal contact between bones or soft tissues in the ankle limits normal movement and causes pain. This often develops when extra bone growth or thickened tissue forms where the ankle bone meets the shin bone, interfering with smooth joint motion. Ankle impingement can occur at the front (anterior) or back (posterior)

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Ankle Avulsion Fracture: Injury Awareness and First Aid Considerations

An ankle avulsion fracture occurs when a ligament or tendon pulls away from the bone with enough force to detach a small fragment of bone. This type of injury often happens during a twisting motion of the ankle and can closely resemble a severe ankle sprain. Avulsion fractures commonly occur near joints, and the ankle

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Dislocated Ankle: Serious Joint Injury and Emergency Awareness

A dislocated ankle is a severe joint injury in which the bones of the lower leg are forced out of their normal alignment at the ankle joint. This injury is uncommon and almost always occurs alongside a fracture or complete rupture of the supporting ligaments. Because the ankle is a strong and complex joint, dislocation

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Sesamoiditis: Forefoot Pain and Injury Awareness

Sesamoiditis is a condition that causes inflammation and pain in the sesamoid bones located beneath the big toe joint (first metatarsophalangeal joint). This condition most often leads to forefoot pain, particularly during weight-bearing activities such as walking, running, or standing for long periods. The sesamoid bones are two small bones embedded within the tendon beneath

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Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: Foot Nerve Pain Awareness

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a foot condition caused by pressure on the posterior tibial nerve as it passes through the tarsal tunnel on the inside of the ankle. This nerve compression can lead to burning pain, tingling, numbness, or discomfort that radiates into the sole and arch of the foot. The tarsal tunnel is a

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Achilles Tendinitis: Causes, Symptoms, and First Aid Awareness

Achilles tendinitis is a common overuse injury affecting the Achilles tendon, the largest tendon in the body. It connects the calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus) to the heel bone and is essential for walking, running, and jumping. In Canada, Achilles tendinitis is frequently seen in runners, recreational athletes, and workers who spend long hours on

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Choking Prevention in Children and Adults: First Aid Awareness

Choking can occur in both children and adults, but it is especially dangerous for infants and young children. In Canada, choking remains one of the leading causes of accidental injury in children under the age of four. The good news is that most choking incidents are preventable with proper supervision and awareness. Food is the

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