If you fall, it is important to listen to what your body is telling you. Many people avoid going to the doctor even if they are in significant pain; however, this can exacerbate the injury and create complications. Your next step depends on the functionality of the area and the amount of pain after the injury. If the pain can be controlled by over-the-counter medicines like ibuprofen or Tylenol, it is usually safe to try that first, but if you can't put weight on the injured area or the pain is overwhelming, you should seek medical attention. Unfortunately, injuries to joints can cause long-term medical problems like arthritis.
Here are some tips to avoid falling:
- Pay attention to your surroundings — look for spots that are icy or may be slippery and avoid them if possible
- Shuffle your feet if you do have to go out in the ice
- Stay off your phone when walking in slippery conditions
Later that day, Dr. Lee Schmidt, Chief, Division of Orthopaedics, and Director of the Joint Replacement Center at GBMC, talked about recovery after joint replacement surgery. Click here to learn more about Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols for knee replacement patients.