Orthopedics
Walk safely in slippery conditions respecting several rather simple suggestions.
Walking to parking, streets or between buildings on the way to work, school or shop, during winter requires special care to avoid slipping and falling. Snow, ice and slippery streets are common in the winter. That’s why you will often get advice from your closest friends and friends so that you do not go out in such a bad time. This is usually not feasible, especially if you need to do something outside the house.
During fall, most commonly we have sprain of the wrist on the arm or leg. If this happens to you, you should be inactive. When the luxation (dislocation) occurs, one of the bones that make up the joint is moved from its natural and normal position in the wrist, due to the strong stretching and tearing of the ligaments. Muscles and tendons that surround the ankle usually stretch during dislocation. There is a presence of the swelling and pain and often deformation of the joint. Active movements are not possible while passive movements are painful and limited and it is necessary to contact a doctor.
During falls when surface is slippery often we have fractures (injuries that leads to loss of bone continuity). Most often it is created by action of outer force, during fall or during impact. Fracture can be opened or closed. Open fracture is an injury where there is a discontinuity of skin above bone (part of the bones) that moves. Closed fracture is fracture when continuity of the skin is preserved.
The fracture should be suspected after a trauma when some part of the body is painful, immobile, and swollen.
In youngest patients it should be suspected broken bone when:
- child does not use injured part of the body after fall
- or if child cries for a long time when he touches injured part.
At first sight it is difficult to distinguish dislocation from fracture, but we can say that both are emergency states and thus it should be treated.
In case of stretching or fracture it is important not to panic, medicine has advanced, and with investment in the most modern equipment that fulfills the highest standards. Atlas General Hospital has taken the highest position in the field of private health care in Serbia. Our experts will give you the fastest health care, and at the best quality. Fortunately, it does not happen often that we have some serious consequences during falls, and except impact, painful bruises and of course your concern, there are no more serious consequences.
No matter how good the snow and ice are cleaned from parking and sidewalk, pedestrians would still find some slippery surfaces when walking in the open during winter.
Remember that in addition to being on the street, you should be careful elsewhere. There are very slippery floors in shops, dispensaries, cafes, restaurants, pharmacies, escalators and entrances, even more than sidewalks in humid and cold conditions. It is important for everyone to be constantly aware of these dangers and to learn to walk safely on ice and slippery ground.
It is recommended that you keep these important safety tips in mind:
- Riding a city bus, trolley bus or tram is a real little adventure. Getting into public transport carries a number of risky situations, so you should enter the front door for the driver to see you and wait for you to enter. If you are an elderly person or a person with mobility difficulties or some medical conditions, you may want to consider trying to provide a companion if you need to go outside.
- Choosing the right outfit is also important. Wear a thicker and longer coat that will lessen injuries during fall and protect as much body surface as possible. Lighter and more noticeable shades of headscarves or hats are recommended, and if you have some reflective clothing it would be a good idea to dress it up so drivers can spot you. Keep warm but make sure you can hear and see what’s going on around you, and most of all because of traffic.
- Try not to carry large purses and bags on one shoulder or in your arms, as you can lose balance and fall without your hands free to cushion the fall. You should also not keep your hands in your pockets.
- Be careful where you stand and walk slowly. This will give you time to react in the event of a fall. When walking, wherever possible, use handrails and handles for the purpuse, position your feet firmly at every step.
- During storms, avoid boots or shoes with smooth soles and heels, such as plastic and leather soles. Instead, wear shoes or boots that provide stability on snow and ice; boots made of non-slip rubber or neoprene with a furrowed sole of shoes.
