Three Common Injuries from Falling on Ice

While goofing around on ice may seem fun, an injury is very probable. Below we list three common injuries that can occur if you slip and trip on the ice.

Breaking of the Wrist or Fractures

More often than not, most people fall on their hands after slipping down. This tendency is common when a person slips on ice, and as a defence mechanism, people often tend to land using their hands. This action may seem intuitive and save your face and head. However, it can cause severe breakage in the wrists. The most affected radius is likely the most prominent bone in the forearm since it is closest to the wrist.

Treatment - Broken or injured wrists are often treated using non-surgical measures, for example, splints and casts. However, if a person undergoes a severe fall, they may experience a complex break, and this will require surgery to reposition the damaged bones and stabilize them correctly.

One of the best and most natural ways of treating such fractures and other chronic conditions is physiotherapy. It is a rehabilitation form of healthcare that benefits people who have undergone injuries.

Rotator Cuff Injuries and Separation of the Shoulder Many people land on their shoulders. People with weak or submissive reflexes are more prone to such an injury. A shoulder injury may thus occur, affecting the rotator cuff muscles and the surrounding bones. The collarbone and shoulder blade interconnect at the acromioclavicular joint.

The ligaments surrounding these functions stabilize the joint. In case of a direct and solid impact, the connective ligaments may tear out and separate the collarbone from the respectively associated bones in the shoulder. This is often regarded as a shoulder separation or a tear in the rotator cuff muscles.

Treatment - These are often treated by non-surgical methods as well. The treatments may include slings, cold packs, over-the-counter medicines, etc. These often prove effective enough to restore the bones and ligaments that may be affected due to falling on ice. In case of an extremely severe injury, doctors may resort to surgery.

Hernia or Herniated Discs in the Spinal Cord While every person may have different bodily balances and reflexes, this alone is not the cause of a fall in a particular direction. Often, people may fall back due to tripping on ice. This action can severely affect the back and the discs in the spinal cord, often resulting in a herniated disc in the spine.

This injury can cause lower back pain. In addition, this impact can be traumatic enough and cause the outer part of the disc to rupture and the disc to dislocate from its original position.

Treatment - Doctors may offer anti-inflammatory medications and physical manipulation. They may also prescribe physical therapy or surgery, such as a disc replacement. These are some common ways of treating a herniated disc.

If you’ve experienced injuries from falling on ice, Parkway Back and Foot Clinic is the leading pain management clinic in Oakville and can offer you the most effective and attentive care available and/or make the proper recommendations.