Winter injuries – what you need to know and do
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Slips, trips and falls are very common, especially at this time of year when the wet and icy weather conditions combine with dark evenings. Falls can be experienced by anyone, from those who enjoy winter sports holidays to people visiting Christmas markets, or those who simply trip during a walk or in the garden.
We ask Mr Mike Barrett, consultant trauma and orthopaedic surgeon specialising in treating foot and ankle conditions at Nuffield Health Cambridge Hospital, to answer key questions.
What should I do if I hurt myself?
If you have injured yourself in a dangerous place, ie in the middle of the road, then move to safety and call for help. Seek medical attention if your pain is severe, not settling, or you are unable to bear weight on the limb. You can also splint the limb with something stiff to stop it from moving.
What can I do to help with the pain?
Take pain relief such as paracetamol and ibuprofen if it is safe for you to do so. Rest the limb and apply a cold compress. Limbs swell when injured, so remove anything restricting it and elevate above heart level. For the lower leg this means ‘toes above the nose,’ for the upper limbs this means trying to get the injured part to shoulder level, elevated on pillows for example, if it is safe to do so.
What if I get injured abroad?
Generally speaking, you should seek emergency treatment, such as assessment, X-rays and a plaster cast. Unless you need emergency surgery to save your life or limb then I would recommend travelling back to the UK to seek treatment from a highly trained orthopaedic expert. Most broken bones do not need to be repaired immediately and can often be safely managed in a plaster cast for 10-14 days before any surgery is required. Ask for copies of your medical records and X-rays to show a treating surgeon when you’re home.
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How do I seek treatment?
You should attend the accident and emergency department, or a minor injuries unit if your limb is deformed or you cannot bear weight on your limb. You could seek a private appointment if your pain does not require emergency treatment.
What are the most common injuries from a fall?
- Ankle sprains, ligament injuries or fractures
- Achilles’ tendon ruptures, or tendinopathy
- Metatarsal and toe fractures
One of the most frequent injuries is a wrist fracture as you place your arms out to stop you bumping your head as you fall. If you land on your shoulder, you may break your collar bone (clavicle). If you twist the ankle, you might sprain it, or in more severe cases you might break your ankle. Twisting injuries also commonly injure the ligaments or meniscus, the shock absorber in your knee.
What if my injury isn’t settling down?
If you have ongoing pain and your injury isn’t settling then you should seek medical attention to review the situation. Occasionally things may not be healing as expected for many different reasons. If you have ongoing pain, then an assessment with an orthopaedic expert is recommended.
Mr Mike Barrett holds his clinic at Nuffield Health Cambridge Hospital, 4 Trumpington Road, Cambridge CB2 8AF. He treats all limb trauma injuries and specialises in conditions of the foot and ankle. You can make an appointment by calling 01223 370922 or book online at the Nuffield Health Cambridge Hospital website nuffieldhealth.com/consultants/mr-mike-barrett#book or visit CambridgeFootSurgeon.co.uk.
