Slip and Fall

Slip-and-falls are among the most common causes of injuries, with over 800,000 patients hospitalized yearly. If you injure yourself in a fall, visit the Union Anesthesia Associates team at one of their convenient offices in Union, Scotch Plains, Bloomfield, South Bound Brook, New Brunswick, Old Bridge, and Woodbridge, New Jersey. The board-certified team members offer effective treatment based on a prompt and accurate diagnosis. Call your nearest Union Anesthesia Associates office today or schedule a consultation online for expert slip-and-fall injury care.

What injuries might slip-and-falls cause?

Injuries you could suffer in a slip or fall include:

Sprains

Sprains affect the ligaments connecting bones inside your joints. They can stretch too far, tear, or rupture completely (come away from the bone). Ankle sprains are prevalent trip injuries. They happen when you twist your ankle, or it bends over too far. Sprains are painful, and if you rupture a ligament, you’ll be unable to move the affected joint.

Strains

Strains are similar to sprains but affect your muscles and the tendons that attach them to your bones. Shoulder strains are common injuries, usually involving the rotator cuff (muscles and tendons around the joint).

Fractures

Fractures are bone breaks. They can be cracks or simple breaks where the bones stay aligned. They can also be severe, involving several breaks (comminuted fractures) or exposing bones through the skin (compound or open fractures).

Dislocations

Dislocations happen when the bones and connective tissues in your joints come apart under stress.

You’re also likely to have bruises, cuts, and/or abrasions from hitting the ground. If you fall onto a solid object like a table, you could hit your head and suffer a concussion — a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). Many people hurt their spines during a fall, resulting in back or neck pain.

Falls are particularly common among older people as they become less steady on their feet. The damage can also be far more severe if they have osteoporosis (a condition where the bones weaken in later life), making fractures a significant concern.

What symptoms do slip-and-fall injuries cause?

Slip-and-falls cause symptoms like: 

• Pain
• Weakness
• Soreness
• Problems bearing weight or standing
• Loss of function
• Numbness
• Tingling or prickling sensations

These symptoms can happen immediately. But often, people don’t realize the full extent of the damage until later. This is because when you’re under stress, your body produces chemicals that block pain. But after a few days, these effects wear off.

What should I do after a slip or fall?

If you suffer a fall, visit your doctor right away for an exam, even if you don’t think you’re badly injured. They identify damaged tissues and treat them promptly to prevent long-term harm.

Call Union Anesthesia Associates today or book an appointment online for expert slip-and-fall injury care.