Every day, countless individuals find themselves unexpectedly hitting the ground due to slip and fall accidents in public places. These incidents can lead to a range of injuries that impact their lives in various ways.
Sometimes slips and falls are harmless, but they can also result in several types of injuries that are common with these kinds of incidents.
Bone bruises and sprains
A bone bruise, also called a contusion, happens when you hit your bone hard against something. It can cause pain, swelling and tenderness. Sprains, on the other hand, involve stretched or torn ligaments, the tough bands that connect bones at joints. Sprains are also painful and can make it hard to move the affected joint. These injuries are common in falls, especially when someone lands on their wrist, ankle or elbow.
Broken bones
Falls can also lead to broken bones, especially in older adults or people with weaker bones. Hips, wrists, arms and ankles are all vulnerable to fractures in a fall. Broken bones can be very painful and take weeks, or even months, to heal completely. Physical therapy is often needed to regain strength and mobility after a fracture.
Cuts and scrapes
Landing on a rough surface during a fall can cause cuts and scrapes on your skin. These injuries are usually minor and only require first-aid treatment at home. However, deeper cuts or scrapes that will not stop bleeding might require medical attention.
Head injuries
Head injuries are a serious concern after a fall, especially if you hit your head hard. Symptoms such as dizziness, headache, confusion and nausea can all indicate a head injury. If you experience any of these symptoms after a fall, it is important to see a doctor right away.
Back and neck injuries
The back and neck are complex structures that can be easily injured in a fall. Injuries can range from strains and sprains of muscles and ligaments to more serious problems such as herniated discs or spinal cord damage. Back and neck pain after a fall can be a sign of a more serious injury, so it is always best to get checked out by a doctor.
By understanding the common slip and fall injuries that occur in public places, you can take steps to stay safe and protect yourself from harm.