The holidays are often filled with happy occasions and warm memories. However, snow, ice, slips and falls can hamper a holiday season.
Slips, trips and falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries in older adults, according to the National Council On Aging. And, more than one in three people age 65 and older fall each year.
“Slips, trips and falls can be detrimental to a person’s health and quality of life. JRMC offers specialty care – whether it’s a few weeks of therapy or surgery of the feet, ankle, shoulder or hip – under one roof,” said Dr. Timothy Volk, JRMC orthopedic surgeon.
No matter what your age, the following are reasons to see a specialist after a fall.
- Pain. A specialist should treat lasting severe pain, following an injury, to ensure no significant underlying damage.
- Sudden swelling. A fall on the ice can injure wrists, back, hips, legs and arms. And, if sudden swelling occurs in any of these areas, seek medical attention.
- Redness and tenderness following an injury should be accompanied by an office visit.
- Tenderness in an elbow or any bony tenderness should result in an office visit and x-ray.
“The old adage of walking it off or waiting for it to get better can result in further damage to joints, tendons and ligaments,” JRMC Podiatrist/Foot & Ankle Surgeon, Dr. Kayla Emter, shared. “Seek professional help before an injury worsens and requires extensive treatment.”
JRMC is home to a variety of specialties. This includes orthopedics, podiatry, wound and hyperbaric oxygen center, physical therapy and occupational therapy.
And, with high-quality healthcare close to home, JRMC makes it easy to be seen during the holiday season – whether it is in Jamestown, Carrington or Valley City. In addition, referrals are not required.
Unsure if you need to be seen? Schedule a free injury screening at (701) 952-4800. After that, the JRMC team will assess the injury and suggest options for treatment.
Finally, for all other questions or to schedule an appointment, contact the JRMC Clinic: (701) 952-4878.
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