Alert on ‘spring falls’ — from sprains to fractures

Page information

One slip and a fracture… even the young face serious risk if careless about falls

Alert on ‘spring falls’ — from sprains to fractures

- Falls threaten all ages in spring as outdoor activity increases, raising the risk of injuries from traumatic brain injury to fractures

- About 25% of fall patients need admission… even young patients can end up hospitalized or in surgery

- Wear protective gear and watch your surroundings when walking… after a fall, apply the RICE method and see a doctor quickly 

▲This image was created using AI image generation.

Falls are easily thought of as accidents that mainly affect older people, but they happen surprisingly 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 treated for falls.

Falls among younger people are especially common in spring, when outdoor activity increases. Director Yang, Kyu Hyun, an orthopedics specialist at the Fracture & Trauma Center of St. Peter’s Hospital, said, “In practice, from March onward as the weather warms, we see more fall patients injured during outdoor activities such as outings, travel, outdoor exercise and walks.” He added, “Outdoors, people should always keep in mind that even a small lapse in attention can lead to a fall and injury, regardless of age.”

■ Outdoor falls raise the risk of fractures, traumatic brain injury and other injuries↑ with 25% requiring admission

People tend to think of a fall as no more than a minor graze. Depending on the circumstances, however, it can easily cause a far more serious injury. Falls while riding a bicycle or kickboard call for particular care, as sudden deceleration can greatly increase the impact.

Falls on the road are the most common of all falls outside the home. The main causes are tripping over obstacles, structures or steps, or losing one's footing. The risk of injury is also relatively high because of the speed of movement and the hard road surface.

The greatest concern here is traumatic brain injury and fractures of the arms and legs from the impact of the fall. Fall patients who come to the emergency room with arm injuries account for about 22%, the second highest share after head injuries. Director Yang, Kyu Hyun, an orthopedics specialist at St. Peter’s Hospital, explains, “The upper limb, from the wrist to the arm, is the second most commonly injured area after the head in falls on the road.” He adds, “Wrist fractures often occur when people instinctively put out a hand to break the fall.”

The ankles and knees are also prone to injury and damage from sudden twisting. Sprains — what people usually describe as ‘twisting’ a joint — occur frequently at these sites: the ankle buckles while a person is trying to regain balance, straining the joint and ligaments. When pain is relatively mild or swelling is not severe, it is easy to dismiss, but leaving a grade 2 or higher sprain with a torn ligament untreated can cause chronic joint instability, so caution is needed.

Yang, Kyu Hyun, orthopedics specialist and Director at St. Peter's Hospital, explained, “About 25% of fall patients need hospital admission, which is far from negligible, and with outdoor falls even young patients — not only the elderly — sometimes need admission and surgery.”

■ Safety comes first outdoors... always wear protective gear when exercising and never walk while looking at your smartphone

The most important thing in preventing falls during outdoor activity is to put safety first. When riding a bicycle or kickboard, always wear a helmet and joint protectors. Such gear cushions the impact of a fall and greatly reduces the likelihood of serious injury. The same applies to running, which is popular at the moment: wear appropriate running shoes that safely support the structure of the foot, watch the surrounding terrain and the ground underfoot, and take care not to push yourself too hard.

Even when simply walking to and from work or heading out, it is best to refrain from careless behavior such as walking while looking at a smartphone. Unlike winter, when ice makes roads slippery, spring road surfaces feel relatively stable and it is easy to let your guard down, yet accidents such as catching a foot on a small object or missing a step happen frequently. If you tend to be inattentive or to fall often, it helps to moderate your walking pace and to develop the habit of checking structures such as stair edges and curbs as you go.

If a fall results in a fracture or sprain, the first thing needed is ‘RICE’ first aid. After Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation, it is best to see an orthopedics specialist immediately. Avoid strenuous movement as much as possible, and immobilize the injured area so that it does not shift while the person is being moved.

▲Dr. Yang, Kyu Hyun, Orthopedics, St. Peter's Hospital

Yang, Kyu Hyun, orthopedics specialist and Director of the Fracture & Trauma Center at St. Peter's Hospital, advised, “After a fracture from a fall, forcing the area back into place or enduring the pain and carrying on is dangerous, as symptoms are likely to worsen.” He added, “If the pain is severe or the area swells rapidly, or if there is bleeding with sharp pain recurring on every movement, you should get to a hospital as quickly as possible and be diagnosed by a specialist.”