Despite what comedians may lead you to believe, falling is no laughing matter. For older people, falls can be especially problematic.
Consider three of the most common injuries that happen from falling and possible treatment solutions.
- Ankle Sprains – An ankle sprain is one of the most frequent injuries caused by falling. The injury occurs when you roll your ankle outward, causing the ligaments inside your ankle to overstretch or tear. You may hear a popping sound when this happens. Ankle sprains range in severity from mild to severe.
Mild ankle sprains may only require at-home treatments, such as ice and rest. However, more severe ankle sprains may need medical attention, like a splint or cast, to immobilize the joint and allow it to heal correctly.
You’ll need to rest your feet and avoid any excessive activity. Taking your weight off your feet will reduce your discomfort enough to let you begin the healing.
- Fractures – Another common injury caused by falling is a fracture. That is a break in one of your foot or ankle bones. A fracture can occur from a direct blow to the bone, twisting, or unnaturally rolling your ankle.
Fracture symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking. Depending on the fracture’s severity, you may need to wear a cast or have surgery. While recovering, you’ll want to buy shoes with excellent support or choose insoles and inserts to mitigate the issue.
You most likely will need to stay off your feet as much as possible to recover faster. Fractures are unfortunate, but with enough care and rest the discomfort will pass soon enough. In addition, footwear with excellent support will aid recovery and prevention.
- Achilles Tendon Rupture – Your Achilles tendon is the large tendon connecting your calf muscle to the heel bone and ankle. Falling can cause this tendon to tear or rupture. Achilles tendon rupture symptoms include sudden pain, swelling, and difficulty walking.
A rupture like this is severe and will take you off your feet for some time. In the worst case, treatment may require surgery. You’ll want footwear with excellent support if you move around during recovery.
After The Fall
There’s no reason to stand up too quickly after a fall. Before standing up, check for any cuts, scrapes, or bruises. Then, if you’re in pain, have swelling, or can’t walk, be sure to see a doctor. After that, you can get back on your feet with the proper care. Falls can happen to anyone, and the likelihood is even higher for older people.
Elderly individuals who have suffered a fall should take the necessary steps to recover properly. Recovery includes taking time to rest and allowing oneself the opportunity to heal both physically and mentally.
Additionally, it is vital that anyone who is recovering from a fall should focus on keeping their feet healthy. A wonderful way to do this is by wearing supportive shoes, staying hydrated, and exercising regularly. These things will help promote better balance and reduce the likelihood of future slips and falls.