Enjoying a winter night on the ice — staying bundled up, moving carefully and using support to help prevent slips and falls.
Winter weather, specifically snow and ice, can be a hazard for travel — whether by plane, train or automobile — but especially for those getting around on foot. It's important to remember these safety tips for preventing injury:
- Relax your body during a fall to lessen the impact.
- Fall sideways.
- Protect your head.
- Use special care while entering or exiting vehicles.
- Avoid carrying items that reduce your visibility.
- Scan your path for trip hazards.
- Walk slowly and take small steps.
- Wear slip-resistant footwear.
- Avoid alcohol consumption during winter weather.
- Seek medical attention if necessary.
Older people are more likely to fall and experience a serious injury in wintry conditions. According to the CDC, one in four people over age 65 fall each year. About three million older people visit emergency rooms after a fall, and around one million require a hospital stay. Falls can cause hip fractures and serious brain injuries, which increase the chance of disability and even death.
Common injuries from falls on ice
Most injuries from slips and trips involve the wrist and back, but fractures and broken bones can also occur. If you suspect any kind of fracture, it's important to visit one of our urgent care centers. If you're bleeding or see bones through the skin, get to an emergency room as soon as possible.
Seek care immediately if your head is injured. Urgent care is a good option for these injuries, but it's important to be evaluated by a doctor in an emergency setting if you have a serious condition, such as loss of consciousness.
Other symptoms associated with head injuries include:
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
If any of these symptoms are present, seek care at an emergency room.
For a bump or mild headache, make a visit to the doctor or urgent care center. You may be asked to rest or keep your head protected for several days.
Care for cuts and lacerations
Many slips and falls can lead to soft tissue injuries, including lacerations, cuts or abrasions. First, be sure to stop any bleeding. Then clean wounds with soap and warm water. Keep the area covered and apply antibiotic ointment to encourage it to heal.
Most cuts can be treated at home, but if they become infected, visit your doctor or urgent care center. Signs of infection include redness and swelling around the wound.
Bruising and muscle strains can also be caused by these falls. Be sure to rest the affected areas and take over-the-counter pain relievers. If symptoms have not improved within 24 to 48 hours, seek care from a doctor.
Take action to reduce the risk for falls
Many people are at higher risk for falls because of age, behaviors or medical conditions. Some chronic conditions that can increase falling risk include high blood pressure, arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, dementia, pain disorders, numbness in the legs and feet and Parkinson's disease.
Side effects of certain medications — or combinations of medications — can also contribute to fall risk. This includes medications for pain, allergies, blood pressure or sleep. Even medications used to treat the chronic conditions above can increase your risk of falling.
Caring for a sprain
Sprains occur when ligaments, the flexible tissues that connect your bones, are torn or stretched. Ankles are subject to sprains when a person loses balance and falls, causing the ligaments to stretch as the joint bends.
Ankle sprains can be divided into three grades:
- Grade 1: The ligaments are stretched, and the ligament tissues may be torn slightly. This is generally a mild injury that can be resolved with some light stretching.
- Grade 2: The ligaments are partially torn. You may want to wear a splint or another type of immobilization device.
- Grade 3: The ligaments are fully torn. You will need to wear a brace, splint or cast for several weeks. You may also require surgery to fully recover and return to your normal activities.
Regardless of the grade, sprains are accompanied by swelling of the surrounding tissue. Be sure to rest and not apply full pressure to your ankle and foot. Elevating the ankle can also help reduce swelling.
In addition, apply ice to the ankle 20 minutes at a time for the first 24 hours. After that, apply ice three or four times a day. Be sure to wrap the ice in a towel — do not apply ice directly to skin.
Over-the-counter pain medicines can be used. Be sure to follow the dosage guidelines and refer to a doctor if pain persists for several days or does not subside.
Addressing risk factors
Taking care of your health can help prevent falls and reduce your risk of serious injury. Older people should have their vision checked regularly and make sure their doctors know all the medications they're taking.
You can reduce your risk by eating healthy foods, drinking enough water and staying active. If winter weather is preventing you from getting to the grocery store, consider home-delivery services or coordinate meals at a nearby senior center. Simple balance and strength-building exercises can also help reduce the risk of falls.
Knowing how to prevent falls and following these steps can help ensure older people — and anyone at risk — stay healthy, active and independent.
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