Wrist Injury Complications After a Slip and Fall
When a person falls, the natural reflex is to try and “break” the fall by pushing their hands toward the ground. This instinctive reaction probably developed in humans because it can protect the head and face from injury. Unfortunately, bracing yourself in a fall by landing on your outstretched hand places all of the force of impact into your hands, wrist and arms.
This type of “slip and fall” often causes a break or “fracture” at the weakest point in the arm – which is typically the wrist.
The force of the fall coupled with the full pressure of the victim’s body weight on the arms places tremendous strain on the wrists, which may suffer several fractures as a result of a slip and fall. Wrist joints are particularly susceptible to damage during a fall because the wrist often twists during the impact with the ground.
Complications of Slip and Fall Wrist Injuries
A broken wrist can result in lifelong pain, mobility limitations and other complications if it is not treated properly and promptly. If a wrist fracture is not treated quickly, it will not heal correctly and victims can suffer one or more of the following serious effects.
Bone fragments from a broken wrist can sever nerves in the hand, causing nerve damage. This can in turn reduce feeling in the palm and fingers, as well as lead to tingling and numbness.
During slip and fall wrist injuries, the blood vessels in the wrist can also become severed, causing serious circulation problems. This can lead to numbness, tingling and a feeling of coldness in the hands and fingers.
Long Term Effects of Slip and Fall Wrist Injury
If a wrist injury or fracture is not treated so as to heal properly, patients may experience stiffness or dull pain in their wrists that may last permanently or for several years after the fall injury.
Additionally, patients may lose function, or end up with a limited range of motion if a wrist injury is not treated. The impact of restricted motion can be devastating – leaving the patient unable to perform simple small movements, such as turning buttoning a shirt, holding a pen, or even driving.
Broken bones also increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis, especially when the bone is broken at a joint. Osteoarthritis symptoms in the wrist can last for the rest of the patient’s life.
Treatment for Slip and Fall Wrist Injury
If you suffer a fall and injure your wrist it is important to seek immediate medical treatment to prevent long term complications. If your wrist is in severe pain, is immobile, or swelling it should be x-rayed by a hand doctor as soon as possible.
And if there is a fracture, it is important to consult a board certified hand surgeon like Detroit area Dr. Rehman – to ensure it is set properly and that the necessary treatments and therapies are put in place to prevent long term pain and immobility.
Detroit Wrist Injury Doctor
If you are suffering from an injury or pain in your fingers, wrist, elbow or arm, contact board certified Detroit area hand surgeon Doctor Rehman for a comprehensive evaluation and consultation. Your hands are vitally important to everything you do. Rapid detection, diagnosis, and treatment is the most effective way to ensure you heal completely, and do not suffer long term consequences.
Doctor Rehman will assess your individual condition, and offer the best state-of-the-art treatments that are best for your hand injury or illness.
