Slipping on ice is one of the main causes of orthopedic injuries in the wintertime. The majority of these falls are relatively minor, but an injury such as breaking a bone or bones can happen.
When people slip, most people tend to break their fall with their hands. While this protects their head and face, it often results in broken wrists. Spinal compression and hip fractures can also happen after a big slip and fall on ice. If you have fallen and think you may have a fracture, first and foremost it is important to seek medical care.
Some signs of a fracture include tenderness, swelling, discoloration, and bruising. If a limb looks misshapen or there is pain near the site of the injury, that could be a sign of a fracture. Arms, wrists, and hands should be able to move with little difficulty. After some falls, the effects of the injury may not be felt immediately so symptoms may not appear right away. Patients may also feel that the symptoms will simply get better over time, but it is important that symptoms should not be ignored even if the severity of the injury is unclear. Remember that it is never too early to be evaluated by an orthopaedic specialist.
To care for a potentially fractured bone, there are a few important steps that should be done immediately:
- Immobilize
- Ice and Elevate
- Seek Medical Attention by Contacting an Orthopaedic Surgeon
Contact the specialists at SMOC if you fear you may have a fracture or other orthopaedic injury. A highly trained specialist will diagnose the injury and determine the best course of treatment. We can help get you back on your feet after a slip or fall!
Dr. Christopher DiPasquale is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon. His focus is on general orthopaedics, which includes upper extremity and hand, lower extremity, arthroscopy, joint replacement and fracture care. Dr. DiPasquale offers a patient-centered approach to treatment at Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center with offices in Suffolk, Harbour View and Chesapeake, Virginia.
