7 Issues ER Medical doctors Say You Ought to At all times Do After A Fall

Folks of any age are prone to falling, however older adults are particularly in danger.

Falls are the main reason for damage and damage demise for folks over the age of 65 and have been chargeable for practically 3 million emergency room visits for older adults in 2021, in accordance with information from the Facilities for Illness Management.

Irrespective of your age, it’s vital to take falls critically, emergency room doctor Dr. Joe Whittington informed 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 suggestions to assist forestall such a incident. Right here’s what we discovered:

Earlier than you even try and rise 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 informed HuffPost.

“This step is crucial to avoid worsening a potential fracture, dislocation, or internal injury by moving too quickly,” stated Wagner, often known as “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.”

Sudden actions can worsen hidden accidents like sprains or fractures, Wagner stated. Different severe fall-related accidents like inside 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.

Should you hit your head in the course of the fall, get evaluated by a medical skilled instantly — even if you happen to 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.”

Know that falls may be particularly harmful for these taking blood thinners, as these medicines can “increase the risk of potentially life-threatening bleeding, especially after head trauma,” former emergency medication doctor Dr. Jessica Singh, founder and CEO of Sukhayu Wellness, informed HuffPost.

Should you’re experiencing different regarding ache or signs usually, you must search rapid medical care, she added.

“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.”

Should you’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.”

After a fall, put aside a while to determine the foundation reason for the incident, taking into consideration each private and environmental elements.

“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?”

Suppose, too, in regards to the causes which will have contributed to resembling a well being situation or whether or not you have been dashing, 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,” in accordance with a 2015 research.

Assessing the whole scenario will assist you get applicable medical care and have higher security measures in place transferring ahead, Singh stated.

Making some changes to your residing house — resembling 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 embrace 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 own home is well-lit is without doubt one of the most neglected methods to stop 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 (resembling seize bars, reaching instruments and fall alarms) may also 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.

Within the wake of a fall, you might turn into overly cautious and petrified of it occurring once more, which might make you extra sedentary. However it’s so vital to remain energetic and to proceed doing the stuff you take pleasure in.

“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 steadiness through practices like yoga or tai chi, which might “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.”