With the cold winds blowing and the snow beginning to swirl, thoughts turn to prevention of falls and injuries on slippery driveways and parking lots. By taking just a few moments to plan your attack on this dangerous terrain, you may be able to avoid a fall.
First – take your time and proceed slowly. Concentrate on the area in which you are walking, and glance ahead for possible hazards. Be especially aware of potholes created by heaving ground in parking lots.
Keep an eye out for obvious slippery areas, such as wet leaves or icy patches, and navigate around these. Also watch when entering buildings; snow and slush can accumulate here and cause slippery conditions as well.
It cannot be stressed enough: wear appropriate footwear! Boots or shoes should have rough soles with waffles or ridges to provide traction. If fashion is your forte, carry a change of shoes with you to events. The hassle of changing shoes is far less than the hassle of an injury due to a fall.
Always use handrails when they are provided. They will stabilize you if you lose your balance and begin to fall.
If you do feel yourself falling – try to roll with the fall if you are falling forward. If you feel yourself falling backward, try to sit down. It is natural to catch ourselves with our hands if a fall occurs. In this case an injury can occur to the wrist and/or the hands.
If such an event happens, contact Dr. Rehman for a full and complete evaluation of your condition. Her team of specialists will help you attain the best recovery possible, and if you should require surgery, she has extensive experience in hand, arm and wrist injuries and surgical repair. Don’t rely on home remedies – contact Contact Dr. Rehman today!
