Slip and fall injuries are very common. Because of the nature of slip and falls, the damage and injuries might not be intense and painful right away. Unlike visible injuries or broken bones, there might not be immediate signs that your body will be suffering lasting damage. Therefore, it is important to recognize the different types of slip and fall injuries and what treatments are available for them.
Joint injuries and sprains – Knees are the most common joint you can injure in a slip or fall. These falls often result in ligament or tendon damage, requiring surgical reconstruction. The twisting motion can tear your anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or result in an ankle sprain. Often we put our hands out to catch ourselves as we fall, which could cause a sprained wrist.
Broken bones – While a bad enough fall can result in a fracture of the leg, wrist, or ankle. You could also fracture your hip in a bad enough fall. Those who are advanced in age are more susceptible to fractures because of weakened bones.
Cuts and abrasions – Often, the fall can result in soft tissue damage such as a cut or scrape. Sometimes these are not severe, but many times they could require stitches. Bruises could be masking a more serious condition beneath the skin, such as fractures or other internal damage.
Traumatic brain and head injuries – There are often irregular surfaces involved in falls – cubing, stairs, landings, etc. These surfaces can cause tremendous damage to the skull and can impact the brain in ways that may have lasting effects. In addition, there could be cervical damage or concussions resulting from falls that would require treatment.
Treatments for Slip and Fall Injuries
Seek medical attention immediately to assess the damage. You might require stitches, a cast for a broken bone, or resetting a dislocated joint. The pain might not be intense immediately but could grow over time if you do not seek assistance. For more severe injuries, hospitalization and surgery may be required. As time passes after the injury, lasting effects may be felt more acutely.
For all of the above reasons, it is essential to get immediate professional attention and follow up with any physical therapy or other required treatments so that the fall does not rob you of your quality of life.