Slip and fall accidents are very common. 5% of victims sustain a fracture, but 12% of all slip and fall accident victims end up in the ER. A slip and fall accident can result in injuries that may not be obvious right away. Some symptoms can take hours or even days to appear. It’s important to monitor yourself carefully after a fall and watch out for the following common symptoms.
Pain and Soreness
One of the first symptoms that will likely appear after a fall is pain and general soreness. You may notice:
- General aches around the area of impact. For example, if you fell hard on your backside, you’ll likely have buttock pain.
- Muscle soreness from bracing during the fall or hitting the ground.
- Joint pain or swelling around areas like the wrists, elbows, shoulders, hips, knees, or ankles if you tried to catch yourself.
Headaches
45% of Americans complain about headaches every year, but headaches after a fall can indicate a head injury like a concussion. A headache may appear right away or take a few hours to set in. Also, watch for:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
One in five falls causes a serious injury such as a head injury, so don’t ignore headaches.
Bruising
Bruises usually appear 1-2 days after an accident. Look for bruises, swelling or tenderness on any area that hit the ground or objects around you. Large bruises can indicate bleeding under the skin or even a fracture – 95% of all hip fractures are caused by falls, and every year, 3 million seniors are admitted because of a fall-related injury.
Numbness and Tingling
A slip and fall accident can cause trauma to nerves or soft tissues. You may notice numbness, tingling, or an odd sensitivity in areas of the arms, legs, hands or feet. This needs a medical assessment.
Changes in Gait
Pay attention to your walking pattern after an accident. If you’re limping or struggling with balance, it could signify an injury. Changes in gait can also contribute to future falls if not addressed.
Cuts, Scrapes and Gashes
Carefully inspect the areas impacted during the fall for any cuts, scrapes or gashes. Small wounds can easily become infected. Larger lacerations may require stitches or other care.
Abdominal Pain
Sometimes internal organ damage occurs during falls. If you experience any abdominal pain, bloating or nausea, seek prompt medical help to rule out internal bleeding or organ injury.
Back Pain
8% of all adults experienced back pain at some point, but back injuries are extremely common after slip and fall accidents. Pain may indicate muscle strains, herniated discs, pinched nerves or vertebral fractures depending on severity. Acute or persistent back pain warrants imaging.
Respiratory Changes
Rib injuries during falls can cause great discomfort when breathing. If you notice pain with inhaling or exhaling, rapid breathing, or difficulty getting a full breath, call your doctor.
Sleep Issues
Many symptoms become more noticeable at night or interfere with sleep after an accident. Discomfort, headaches, and anxiety over the events of the fall can all contribute to insomnia. Track your rest patterns after the fall.
Paying attention to these common delayed symptoms can help identify serious injuries from slip and fall accidents. Don’t hesitate to seek medical advice if anything seems off after your incident. Acting quickly leads to the best recovery results.