If you’ve experienced a fall, you’re probably feeling a little shaken up. A fall can affect a lot more than just your body–it can lead to injuries and leave you feeling sore. Knowing what to do after a fall can help you stay safe, avoid more injuries, and feel a little more in control.
Keep reading to learn more about what you can do after a fall and when it’s time to call your doctor.
Key Takeaways
- After a fall, stay still and check for injuries before trying to move. Even if you feel it was a small fall, call 911 for help in case of emergency.
- If you have minor injuries, you can use the RICE method: rest, ice, compress, and elevate the area that’s affected to get some relief.
- You should visit the doctor if you can’t properly use the part of the body that was affected, and you’re feeling dizzy and unable to concentrate.
- For proper care after a fall, you can schedule an appointment with an experienced physician at Family Medicine and Geriatric Center.
When to See a Doctor After a Fall
While at-home stretches can help, unbearable symptoms shouldn’t be ignored: they might be a sign of something more serious. For proper care, you should either visit an emergency room or a doctor who specializes in geriatric and family medicine for holistic care. Here’s when you should visit the emergency room or the pain specialist to get proper treatment:
When to Visit the Emergency Room
- You fell and struck your head
- You can’t use the part of the body that’s affected
- You’re feeling pain that radiates around your chest and other body parts
- The bruising and swelling in the affected area won’t go away
- You experience other symptoms like vomiting and slurred speech
- You’re having trouble breathing or finding your balance
- You’re discharging fluid from your ears or nose
When to See a Geriatric Specialist
- You experience headaches that don’t go away
- You’re feeling dizzy and are unable to concentrate
- You experience a change in your eyesight or eye movement
- You experience mood swings that you can’t explain
- You want holistic care for your fall injuries
What to Do After a Fall
Falls can be frightening, especially for older adults. Taking the right steps immediately after the incident can help ease stress and prevent further injury. Here’s what to do after a fall to stay safe and get help if needed:
1. Check For Injuries
Right after a fall, try not to move too quickly. Stay still for a moment and check how you feel. Do you feel any sharp pain? Or do you suspect that you’re badly hurt? If so, it’s best to stay where you are and call 911 for help.
If you’re alone and the room is cold, try to move to a softer surface like a carpet to keep warm. If you can reach water, try to stay hydrated. But don’t try to get up unless you’re sure you haven’t been seriously hurt.
2. Get Up Slowly From The Floor
If you’re absolutely sure you are not injured, you can try to get up. When trying to rise, start by rolling onto your side. Use your hands to push yourself into a sitting position. When you feel ready, get on your hands and knees. Crawl carefully to a sturdy chair or something strong that you can hold onto.
Once you reach it, kneel with your stronger leg next to the chair and place that foot flat on the floor. Then, using both hands on the chair, slowly push yourself up. Once you’re standing, turn and sit down right away. Rest for at least a few minutes before trying to walk.
3. Treat Minor Injuries At Home
Not every fall causes major injuries, but it’s common to end up with some bruises or sore spots. If you’re not seriously hurt, but you banged a part of your body, you can begin simple treatment for fall injuries at home. You can use the RICE method: rest, ice, use compression, and elevate the area that’s affected to get some relief. To ensure optimal health results, consider seeing a geriatric care specialist.
Visit an Edinburgh Geriatric Clinic for Medical Care After a Fall
A fall can be scary, especially if you have weak bones or health problems like osteoporosis. That’s why it’s important to get the right kind of care, not just for your injury, but for your whole body and health.
At the Family Medicine and Geriatric Center in Edinburg, we offer holistic care that looks beyond the injury to support your overall well-being. Our experienced Edinburg geriatric physician is here to help you recover from your fall, check for hidden problems, and give you tips to stay safe and healthy. Reach out to us today for your treatment.