Getting better after falling involves assessing your condition, seeking appropriate medical attention if necessary, and following recommended treatments to recover from any injuries sustained. While many falls result in minor scrapes or bruises, others can lead to more significant injuries like sprains, fractures, or head trauma.
If you have fallen, first assess yourself for injuries. If you suspect a serious injury (like a head injury, inability to move a limb, or severe pain), do not try to move and call for emergency medical help immediately. For less severe injuries, it's still wise to consult a healthcare professional to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
According to Tri-State Orthopaedics, there are several treatment options available for fall-related injuries aimed at helping you recover:
Treatment Options for Fall-Related Injuries
The specific treatment you receive will depend on the type and severity of your injury. A medical professional will determine the best course of action. Common approaches include:
- The RICE Approach: This is a common initial treatment for many soft tissue injuries like sprains or strains. RICE stands for:
- Rest: Avoid using the injured body part.
- Ice: Apply ice packs to the injured area to reduce swelling and pain.
- Compression: Wrap the injured area with an elastic bandage to help reduce swelling.
- Elevation: Keep the injured body part raised above the level of your heart if possible.
- Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain. In some cases, a doctor may prescribe stronger pain relievers.
- Anti-inflammatory Medications: These medications, often non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), help reduce both pain and inflammation, which are common responses to injury.
- Physical Therapy: Once the initial pain and swelling have subsided, physical therapy can be crucial for recovery. A physical therapist can guide you through exercises to restore strength, flexibility, range of motion, and balance, helping you return to your normal activities safely.
- Casting or Splints: For fractures or severe sprains, a cast or splint may be used to immobilize the injured area. This prevents movement of the broken bone or damaged ligaments, allowing them to heal properly.
- Traction for Fractures: In certain cases of fractures, traction may be used. This involves applying a pulling force to the injured body part to align the broken bone fragments. There are two main types:
- Skin Traction: The pulling force is applied through the skin using bandages or tapes attached to weights.
- Skeletal Traction: A pin is inserted through the bone, and the pulling force is applied directly to the bone through this pin.
Here is a summary of these treatment options:
| Treatment Option | Purpose | Example Applications |
|---|---|---|
| The RICE Approach | Reduce pain, swelling, and aid initial healing | Sprains, strains, minor soft tissue injuries |
| Pain Relievers | Alleviate discomfort | Various injuries causing pain |
| Anti-inflammatory Medications | Reduce pain and inflammation | Sprains, strains, tendinitis |
| Physical Therapy | Restore function, strength, and mobility; improve balance | Post-fracture recovery, sprains, balance issues |
| Casting or Splints | Immobilize and protect injured bones or joints for healing | Fractures, severe sprains |
| Traction for Fractures | Align broken bone fragments, maintain position | Certain types of complex fractures |
Following your healthcare provider's instructions is key to a successful recovery. This may include attending follow-up appointments, completing prescribed physical therapy exercises, and taking medications as directed. Rest and proper nutrition also play a vital role in the healing process.
Remember, everyone's recovery journey is different, depending on the injury and individual health factors. Be patient with yourself and focus on consistent progress.
