One “oops!” and a fall becomes a fracture…spring falls spare no one, however young

 An untreated sprain risks chronic instability; ‘RICE’ first aid is essential after an accident

Contrary to the perception that falls are the preserve of older people, they are accidents that happen quite often in younger age groups too. According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency's ‘2024 in-depth survey of emergency room injury patients’, patients in their 30s to 50s accounted for 24.3% of those who went to hospital after a fall.

Falls among younger people tend to increase in spring in particular, when warmer weather brings more outdoor activity such as outings, travel, running and riding bicycles or kickboards. Experts warn that, regardless of age, a small lapse in attention can lead to a serious injury.

Yang, Kyu Hyun, orthopedics specialist and Director of the Fracture & Trauma Center at St. Peter's Hospital, said, “From March onward there is a noticeable increase in patients injured by falls during outdoor activity,” adding, “Outdoors, you should always bear in mind that even a moment's carelessness can lead to a fall and injury.”

From traumatic brain injury to fractures… even young people may need admission or surgery

It is easy to assume that a fall will end in nothing worse than a minor graze, but in practice traumatic brain injury or fractures of the arms and legs are not uncommon. Falls while using bicycles, kickboards and similar transport carry a greater risk of injury because of the added impact of sudden deceleration.

Falls that occur on the road account for the largest share of any location other than the home. Tripping or missing a step on stairs, curbs or obstacles is the main cause, and hard road surfaces also make injuries more severe.

Injuries to the wrist and arm are especially common. Many wrist fractures occur when people instinctively put out a hand to break a fall. In fact, about 22% of fall patients who visit emergency rooms do so for arm injuries, the second largest share after head injuries.

The ankle and knee are also areas where sprains often occur from a sudden twist. It may feel like nothing more than a ‘twist’, but leaving a grade 2 or higher sprain with a partial ligament tear untreated can lead to chronic joint instability, so caution is needed.

Dr. Yang explained, “About 25% of fall patients require hospital admission,” adding, “An outdoor fall can lead to a situation requiring admission or surgery even in a young patient.”

Wear safety gear and avoid walking while using your phone… remember ‘RICE’ after an accident

The key to preventing falls is to put safety first. A helmet and joint protectors are essential when riding a bicycle or kickboard. For running, too, it is important to wear shoes that support the foot securely, to check the surrounding terrain carefully, and not to push yourself too hard.

Even in everyday walking, looking at a smartphone while you walk raises the risk of an accident. In spring, road surfaces are perceived as stable and it is easy to let your guard down, but accidents in which people trip over small structures or ledges happen frequently.

If a fall raises suspicion of a fracture or sprain, ‘RICE’ should be applied first. After easing the initial swelling and pain with Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation, it is best to see an orthopedics specialist promptly for an accurate diagnosis.

Dr. Yang stressed, “When a fracture is suspected, forcing the area back into place or enduring the pain and carrying on with activity can make the condition worse.” He added, “If the pain is severe or the area swells rapidly, or if there is bleeding or recurring sharp pain, you should go to a hospital without delay.”

Experts say, “A fall takes a moment, but its after-effects can last a long time,” advising that following basic safety rules, whatever your age, is the surest prevention.

Source: Health Digest (https://www.ikunkang.com)