Individuals of any age are prone to falling, however older adults are particularly in danger.
Falls are the main explanation for damage and damage dying for folks over the age of 65 and had been chargeable for practically 3 million emergency room visits for older adults in 2021, based on knowledge from the Facilities for Illness Management.
Irrespective of your age, it’s vital to take falls critically, emergency room doctor Dr. Joe Whittington advised HuffPost.
“Whether it’s a young person who brushes off a fall or someone older who thinks it’s just a part of aging, it’s important to understand that falls can lead to complications like infections or long-term disability,” stated Whittington, who runs the Dr. Joe MD TikTok account. “Prevention is key. Keeping up with regular physical activity, making environmental adjustments and knowing what to do after a fall can significantly reduce risks.”
We requested Whittington and different ER physicians what they’d advise folks to do after a fall, together with ideas to assist forestall this sort of incident. Right here’s what we realized:
First, do a full-body test for accidents.
Earlier than you even try to stand up, do a full-body test for ache, “particularly in the head, neck, or spine, as well as possible fractures or dislocations,” Whittington stated.
You must also look out for abrasions, vital swelling, extreme ache or the shortcoming to maneuver any a part of your physique, ER doctor Dr. Jordan Wagner advised HuffPost.
“This step is crucial to avoid worsening a potential fracture, dislocation, or internal injury by moving too quickly,” stated Wagner, also called “Doctor ER” on YouTube. “If you notice any sharp pain or have difficulty moving, stay there and call for emergency help if a phone is nearby.”
Transfer slowly.
Sudden actions can worsen hidden accidents like sprains or fractures, Wagner stated. Different severe fall-related accidents like inner bleeding or concussions might not be obvious proper off the bat.
“If you feel dizzy, nauseous or in significant pain, stay still and call for help. Getting up too quickly can worsen an injury,” Whittington stated.
If you happen to hit your head, search medical care ASAP.
If you happen to hit your head through the fall, get evaluated by a medical skilled instantly — even for those who really feel OK at first, Wagner suggested.
“Symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, headaches, or nausea could indicate a concussion, brain bleed, or a more serious injury,” he defined. “Brain bleeds, in particular, can be life-threatening and often develop at different rates, so you might not notice severe symptoms right away. Head injuries are tricky and can escalate quickly, so it’s always better to be safe than sorry.”
“It’s important not to push through pain or discomfort after a fall.”
– ER doctor Dr. Jordan Wagner
Know that falls may be particularly harmful for these taking blood thinners, as these drugs can “increase the risk of potentially life-threatening bleeding, especially after head trauma,” former emergency drugs doctor Dr. Jessica Singh, founder and CEO of Sukhayu Wellness, advised HuffPost.
If you happen to’re experiencing different regarding ache or signs typically, it is best to search quick medical care, she added.
Deal with any minor accidents at dwelling.
“If there’s no immediate sign of a serious injury, take deep breaths and apply ice to any sore areas,” Wagner stated. “Ice helps reduce swelling and prevents further damage.”
Don’t attempt to “tough it out,” he added. “It’s important not to push through pain or discomfort after a fall.”
If you happen to’ve injured a limb, elevate it to attenuate swelling, Whittington suggested.
“For example, if you’ve twisted your ankle or injured your knee, keeping it elevated above your heart helps the healing process,” he stated. “Don’t ignore what seems like a minor injury. Early care can prevent more serious issues later.”
miodrag ignjatovic through Getty Pictures
Afterward, replicate on components that led to the autumn.
After a fall, put aside a while to determine the foundation explanation for the incident, making an allowance for each private and environmental components.
“For instance, was the fall a result of slipping on ice or a wet surface, a missed step, an accident primarily caused by someone else, a lack of appropriate balance, support, and/or safety precautions, or an external situation?” Singh stated. “What other external factors, including medications, alcohol or substance use, may have contributed to the fall?”
Assume, too, in regards to the causes which will have contributed to reminiscent of a well being situation or whether or not you had been speeding, distracted or multitasking when the autumn occurred, Singh stated.
She additionally pointed to analysis displaying that whereas falls typically happen after slipping or tripping, “external factors are seldom the sole cause of an elderly patient’s fall. In almost all cases, patients’ comorbidities and health status are involved,” based on a 2015 examine.
Assessing your entire scenario will assist you to get applicable medical care and have higher security measures in place shifting ahead, Singh stated.
Cut back fall hazards in your house.
Making some changes to your dwelling area — reminiscent of decluttering — may prevent a visit to the emergency room, Wagner stated.
“Keeping a clean and organized living space, especially in high-traffic areas, is essential,” he stated.
Different frequent tripping hazards embody free rugs and cords, pets, walkers, canes and stairs.
“Many people trip on stairs because they’re moving too quickly, not paying attention to their footing,” Wagner stated.
Ensuring your house is well-lit is likely one of the most neglected methods to forestall a fall, Whittington stated. “Many falls happen at night or in dimly lit areas. Adding night lights or brighter bulbs in key areas, especially in hallways, bathrooms, and stairs, can drastically reduce the risk of a fall.”
Correct footwear with slip-resistant soles and assistive units (reminiscent of seize bars, reaching instruments and fall alarms) also can enhance well being and security, Singh stated.
Small modifications like these can “make a huge difference, especially for older adults or people with limited mobility,” Whittington added.
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Keep energetic.
Within the wake of a fall, chances are you’ll grow to be overly cautious and afraid of it occurring once more, which may make you extra sedentary. However it’s so vital to remain energetic and to proceed doing the stuff you get pleasure from.
“Immobility is associated with deconditioning and greater fall risk. Research has shown that fear is commonly experienced after a fall, leading to reduced physical activity and increased risk of falling,” Singh stated.
Whittington additionally highlighted the significance of staying energetic and dealing in your stability through practices like yoga or tai chi, which may “greatly reduce the risk of falls,” he stated.
“As we age, we lose muscle strength and flexibility, which affects our balance. Strengthening muscles and practicing coordination helps your body respond better to slips or trips, potentially preventing a serious fall.”
