Injuries to bones, muscles, ligaments or tendons or what is commonly called orthopedic trauma usually occur due to a collision caused by an accident or fall during activities. These orthopedic injuries can recover if treated with the right treatment. However, if the handling of the injury is wrong, this can actually result in a fatal risk that can result in amputation. Therefore, it is important to know how to properly handle cases of injury due to falls so that they do not result in fatal risks.
If you get injured from a fall, where should you take it?
If someone is injured due to a fall, they should immediately be taken to a doctor at the hospital. Apart from being more competent in dealing with these injuries, doctors will provide fast and appropriate treatment. Doctors at the hospital can use technology such as X-rays, CT Scans, and MRIs to find out what is causing the injury. If the cause of the injury is known, then the doctor can determine what treatment is right for the injury case.
It is highly recommended to take it to a doctor compared to going to a massage therapist because usually the masseuse does not know what is the problem in this injury case. The problems encountered in cases of injury can be very diverse, ranging from torn joint pads, fractured or broken bones, and others. Because it is important to know the cause of the injury so that the handling is not wrong. Incorrect handling can result in a more fatal risk.
What is the first treatment when you fall?
First aid in case of injury from a fall includes:
- Limit the victim's movement, rest the injured leg or part. Do not let the part is forced to do a lot of movement.
- Compress the painful or swollen part with ice water.
- If it is broken, tie it with a splint to reduce mobilization in the area where it is indicated to be broken / sprained.
- Immediately take the victim to the hospital so that he can get fast and proper treatment.
- If the victim cannot stand or move, call for medical assistance to get help.
Do not force the victim to move the injured part, let alone massage it. Take the victim to the hospital as soon as possible because a doctor at the hospital should treat injuries due to falls so that they can be handled properly.
What are the symptoms of a fall injury?
Injuries from falls usually show a number of symptoms that should be watched out for and must be treated appropriately. The most common symptoms include:
- Pain, the most common symptom of pain in injured victims. Usually the more severe the injury, the stronger the pain.
- Swelling, swelling is very likely to occur in victims of injuries from falls. This is a form of trauma reaction that occurs.
- bruises
- Bleeding occurs
- Numb
How long does it take to recover from a fall injury?
Recovery in cases of injuries from falls usually takes a different time. If the injury occurs to soft tissue, it usually takes at least three weeks to recover. However, if the injury occurs to a part of the bone, recovery can take at least six weeks, depending on the type of problem. After that, sufferers also still have to do rehabilitation before they can return to normal activities.
If you experience the symptoms of an injury as mentioned, take it immediately and consult a doctor at the hospital so that treatment is given quickly. It is better not to take injured patients to massage therapists or other traditional treatments. Because wrong handling can result in other risks that are more severe. The sooner it is handled, the greater the chance to recover and be able to return to normal activities.
Article reviewed by dr. Pradhana Wijayanta, Sp.OT (Orthopedic & Traumatology Specialist Doctor at EMC Tangerang Hospital).