Skip to Content

When should I see a doctor after a fall?

If you have experienced a fall, you should always seek medical attention. Even if you do not feel any pain or discomfort, it is important to get medically evaluated in order to rule out any underlying injuries.

You should contact your doctor or emergency services immediately if you have any of the following symptoms or signs after a fall:

– Extreme pain at the site of the fall

– Swelling

– Bruising

– Unusual limping, difficulty walking, or difficulty getting up

– Numbness, tingling, or burning around the site of the fall

– Loss of consciousness

– Unexplained confusion

– Headache

– Persistent dizziness

– Nausea or vomiting

– Vision changes

If you do not have any of the above symptoms, it is still important to contact your doctor for an evaluation. You may have an injury or condition that is not immediately obvious and a doctor can do an assessment and diagnose the issue.

They may also need to get an X-ray to better examine the area for any fractures. It is also important to be aware that some conditions can have delayed symptoms and it is important to have them monitored over the short term.

Should I get checked after a fall?

Yes, you should get checked after a fall, especially if you felt a sharp pain in your body. Even if you feel no pain at the moment, it does not mean you are free of harm. A sudden fall can cause soft tissue injuries that may not be felt until later on.

If you hit your head on impact during the fall, then it is of utmost importance that you get checked out. Symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, difficulty in balance or movements, nausea, and headache can indicate a serious injury and must be checked out by a doctor.

Depending on the severity and condition of the fall, the doctor will decide what tests you need. It is always important to take any and all precautions if you had a fall, regardless of how severe it seems.

How long after an injury should you see a doctor?

It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after a possible injury to ensure a proper diagnosis and plan of care. Generally, you should see a doctor as soon as you experience any symptoms that may indicate an injury, such as pain, swelling, redness, or numbness.

You should also see a doctor if the injury does not get better with rest or if the symptoms worsen with time. In addition, it is important to seek medical attention after any violent impacts to the head or body, even if symptoms are not immediately present.

Moreover, if you have potential fractures, ligament strains, or other long-term injuries, it is critical to schedule an appointment with a doctor sooner rather than later, since these injuries can need longer and more detailed healing plans.

In short, after any short-term or long-term injury, it is essential to see a doctor in order to ensure the best possible healing outcome.

What damage can a fall do to your body?

A fall can cause a variety of serious injuries, from minor scrapes and bruises to more serious bone fractures, joint dislocations, and even traumatic brain injuries. Depending on the height and force of the impact, the type of surface that was impacted and the body part, a fall can cause serious injuries such as broken bones, head or neck injuries, or damage to internal organs.

Falls can also cause soft tissue injuries such as cuts, sprains, or strains. Even falls from a standing height can cause soft tissue injuries and in some cases, broken bones.

Falls at a higher altitude cause additional serious injuries including spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, internal organ damage, and death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the leading cause of death for individuals over 65 years of age, and the most common cause of non-fatal injuries.

It is important for people to take caution and prevent falls, as the impact can be deadly. Wearing protective gear and taking safety precautions when engaging in activities with a high risk of falling, such as skiing, rock climbing, and skateboarding, can reduce the risk of serious injury.

Additionally, being aware and proactive in home safety, such as installing guardrails, non-slip treads and railings, can also help to reduce the risk of a fall.

How do you know if you have internal injuries after a fall?

If you fall and hit your body, you should monitor yourself to make sure you don’t have any internal injuries. Internal injuries can be hard to detect, and symptoms may not manifest until hours or days after the event.

If you experience abdominal pain or tenderness, or feel a lump or mass in the abdomen, and these symptoms persist, you should seek medical attention. If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or irregular heartbeats in the days or weeks after the fall, you should also seek medical attention.

Other indicators of internal injury can include broken bones, numbness in the extremities, frequent headaches, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, visual disturbances, mental confusion, and seizures. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention.

In the event of a serious fall, you should seek medical attention regardless of any symptoms you may be experiencing. Your doctor will be able to evaluate you to rule out any potential internal injuries.

How long does it take for a fall to heal?

The answer to this question depends on the type and severity of the fall. Minor falls, such as minor bruises or scrapes, can heal within a few days of rest and adequate care. However, more severe falls, such as those resulting in concussions, can take much longer to heal.

In these cases, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months for the person to fully recover. During this time, it is important to rest, follow a doctor’s advice, and take necessary medications to help aid the healing process.

What are the symptoms of concussion after a fall?

The symptoms of a concussion after a fall can vary and may not present immediately.

Common symptoms of a concussion include a headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea or vomiting, ringing in the ears, memory problems, blurry vision, fatigue, sensitivity to light, and changes in sleep patterns.

Other symptoms that may be felt after a fall resulting in a concussion can include difficulty concentrating, difficulty balancing, feeling overwhelmed, irritable and emotional, slurred speech, and confusion.

In some cases, a concussion may cause loss of consciousness but this is not always the case. Depending on the force of the impact, some symptoms can last for a few days or weeks and may require medical attention or even hospitalization if the concussion is severe enough.

It is important to note that the effects of a concussion can be difficult to recognize or diagnose, and it is advised to seek medical help if you experience any of the previously mentioned symptoms or if you witness someone experiencing confusion or disorientation after a fall.

Can injuries from a fall show up later?

Yes, injuries from a fall can show up later. Even if you don’t feel any pain immediately after a fall, it’s still important to get checked out by a medical professional soon after the fall. This is especially true if the fall caused you to lose consciousness or if you are confused or disoriented after the fall.

Some injuries, such as a head injury or nerve damage, may not be immediately apparent. Delayed symptoms of a fall-related injury can include persistent back pain, headaches, dizziness, neck pain, or weakness in extremities.

If you experience any of these symptoms after a fall, it’s important to seek medical attention to prevent further injury or illness.

Can you get delayed pain from an injury?

Yes, it is possible to experience delayed pain from an injury. Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is a common form of delayed pain from physical activity or from an injury. It is thought to be caused by microscopic tears in the muscles or surrounding connective tissues due to increased tension, stress or strain.

Signs and symptoms can include mild to severe pain, tightness, tenderness, canine swelling, and reduced range of motion. It typically peaks 24-48 hours after the initial injury and can last up to a week if not managed properly.

To help with delayed pain from an injury, application of heat and/or ice, massage, pain medication, stretching, and rest can be useful. And of course, proper medical care should always be sought out if a more serious injury is suspected.

What are signs to watch for after a fall?

After experiencing a fall, it’s important to watch for possible signs of injury. In the case of any fall, it is best to seek medical attention even if you do not feel pain or notice any injuries. Early assessment and treatment can help avoid long-term complications.

The signs to watch for after a fall can vary depending on the type and severity of the fall. Pain or tenderness in any area of the body, especially after a direct impact, can indicate an injury. Swelling, bruising, or limited range of motion in any affected area may also signify an injury.

Head injuries should always be taken seriously, and if the person experiences confusion, headache, difficulty in speaking, dizziness, or loss of consciousness, medical attention should be sought immediately.

Symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and fatigue may also indicate a head injury.

Other signs of injury may include numbness or tingling in any part of the body, as well as any changes in reflexes or balance. For any signs or symptoms of injury or discomfort, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Why is pain delayed after a fall?

Pain after a fall is often delayed because the initial contact of the fall activates the body’s reflexes. When you fall and make contact with the ground, the body will automatically activate muscles to contract and help protect itself from further damage.

This process can delay the sensation of pain, because the body’s natural reflexes are taking precedence over the impulse from the damaged tissue. Additionally, adrenaline can flow through the body when falling, causing a decrease in pain and numbing sensation.

This is the body’s way of protecting itself from the shock of the fall. The increase of adrenaline can also improve reaction time after the fall and reduce long-term pain. Eventually, the adrenaline will fade and the true injuries will be revealed and the sensation of pain will increase.

How far can a person fall without getting hurt?

The answer to this question depends on a variety of factors, including how the person lands, the surface they fall onto, and how the person prepares for the fall. Generally speaking, a person can fall up to about nine feet without being injured, as long as they land on their feet and have time to brace for the impact.

Soft surfaces, like grass and mattresses, will increase the distance a person can fall without injury. A person falling from any significant height can still be injured, even if they land on their feet.

It is important to take precautions and plan for a fall if one is inevitable, as this can help to minimize the risk of injury. Additionally, protective gear such as helmets can be used to reduce the chances of sustaining an injury.

Can an injury show up a week later?

Yes, an injury can show up a week later. An injury to the musculoskeletal system such as sprains, strains, and fractures can take a few days to become visible. Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) can take at least 24 hours after exercising to be noticeable.

Other types of injuries, such as contusions, bruises, and wounds, may not be visible until days or even weeks later due to the time it takes for the body to heal. Additionally, trauma-related injuries, such as those sustained in a motor vehicle accident or a fall, may take days or even weeks to fully manifest due to the complexity of the injury and healing process.

In some cases, symptoms may be mild or nonexistent until the underlying nerve damage or tissue damage takes its toll on the affected area. It is always important to follow-up with a healthcare provider, or obtain an imaging test, such as an X-ray or MRI, if an injury occurs to check for unseen underlying issues.

How long after a fall can pain start?

It can vary depending on the individual and the severity of the fall. Some people may start to experience pain immediately after the fall, while for others, it may not start for a few days or even weeks later.

Pain can also come and go or be constant, again depending on the severity of the fall. Aches, tenderness, and stiffness are common symptoms of pain starting following a fall. It is important to take precautions after a fall, such as icing the area and taking pain medications as needed, and to consult with a doctor if the pain persists.