People of any age are susceptible to falling, but older adults are especially at risk.
Falls are the leading cause of injury and injury death for people over the age of 65 and were responsible for nearly 3 million emergency room visits for older adults in 2021, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control.
No matter your age, it’s important to take falls seriously, emergency room physician Dr. Joe Whittington told HuffPost.
“Whether it’s a young person who brushes off a fall or someone older who thinks it’s just a part of aging, it’s important to understand that falls can lead to complications like infections or long-term disability,” said Whittington, who runs the Dr. Joe MD TikTok account. “Prevention is key. Keeping up with regular physical activity, making environmental adjustments and knowing what to do after a fall can significantly reduce risks.”
We asked Whittington and other ER physicians what they’d advise people to do after a fall, including tips to help prevent this type of incident. Here’s what we learned:
First, do a full-body check for injuries.
Before you even attempt to get up, do a full-body check for pain, “particularly in the head, neck, or spine, as well as possible fractures or dislocations,” Whittington said.
You should also look out for abrasions, significant swelling, severe pain or the inability to move any part of your body, ER physician Dr. Jordan Wagner told HuffPost.
“This step is crucial to avoid worsening a potential fracture, dislocation, or internal injury by moving too quickly,” said Wagner, also known as “Doctor ER” on YouTube. “If you notice any sharp pain or have difficulty moving, stay there and call for emergency help if a phone is nearby.”
Move slowly.
Sudden movements can worsen hidden injuries like sprains or fractures, Wagner said. Other serious fall-related injuries like internal bleeding or concussions may not be apparent right off the bat.
“If you feel dizzy, nauseous or in significant pain, stay still and call for help. Getting up too quickly can worsen an injury,” Whittington said.
If you hit your head, seek medical care ASAP.
If you hit your head during the fall, get evaluated by a medical professional immediately — even if you feel OK at first, Wagner advised.
“Symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, headaches, or nausea could indicate a concussion, brain bleed, or a more serious injury,” he explained. “Brain bleeds, in particular, can be life-threatening and often develop at different rates, so you might not notice severe symptoms right away. Head injuries are tricky and can escalate quickly, so it’s always better to be safe than sorry.”
“It’s important not to push through pain or discomfort after a fall.”
– ER physician Dr. Jordan Wagner
Know that falls can be especially dangerous for those taking blood thinners, as these medications can “increase the risk of potentially life-threatening bleeding, especially after head trauma,” former emergency medicine physician Dr. Jessica Singh, founder and CEO of Sukhayu Wellness, told HuffPost.
If you’re experiencing other concerning pain or symptoms in general, you should seek immediate medical care, she added.
Treat any minor injuries at home.
“If there’s no immediate sign of a serious injury, take deep breaths and apply ice to any sore areas,” Wagner said. “Ice helps reduce swelling and prevents further damage.”
Don’t try to “tough it out,” he added. “It’s important not to push through pain or discomfort after a fall.”
If you’ve injured a limb, elevate it to minimize swelling, Whittington advised.
“For example, if you’ve twisted your ankle or injured your knee, keeping it elevated above your heart helps the healing process,” he said. “Don’t ignore what seems like a minor injury. Early care can prevent more serious issues later.”
miodrag ignjatovic via Getty Images
Afterward, reflect on factors that led to the fall.
After a fall, set aside some time to figure out the root cause of the incident, taking into account both personal and environmental factors.
“For instance, was the fall a result of slipping on ice or a wet surface, a missed step, an accident primarily caused by someone else, a lack of appropriate balance, support, and/or safety precautions, or an external situation?” Singh said. “What other external factors, including medications, alcohol or substance use, may have contributed to the fall?”
Think, too, about the reasons that may have contributed to such as a health condition or whether you were rushing, distracted or multitasking when the fall occurred, Singh said.
She also pointed to research showing that while falls often occur after slipping or tripping, “external factors are seldom the sole cause of an elderly patient’s fall. In almost all cases, patients’ comorbidities and health status are involved,” according to a 2015 study.
Assessing the entire situation will help you get appropriate medical care and have better safety measures in place moving forward, Singh said.
Reduce fall hazards in your home.
Making some adjustments to your living space — such as decluttering — could save you a trip to the emergency room, Wagner said.
“Keeping a clean and organized living space, especially in high-traffic areas, is essential,” he said.
Other common tripping hazards include loose rugs and cords, pets, walkers, canes and stairs.
“Many people trip on stairs because they’re moving too quickly, not paying attention to their footing,” Wagner said.
Making sure your home is well-lit is one of the most overlooked ways to prevent a fall, Whittington said. “Many falls happen at night or in dimly lit areas. Adding night lights or brighter bulbs in key areas, especially in hallways, bathrooms, and stairs, can drastically reduce the risk of a fall.”
Proper footwear with slip-resistant soles and assistive devices (such as grab bars, reaching tools and fall alarms) can also improve health and safety, Singh said.
Small changes like these can “make a huge difference, especially for older adults or people with limited mobility,” Whittington added.
Stay active.
In the wake of a fall, you may become overly cautious and scared of it happening again, which can make you more sedentary. But it’s so important to stay active and to continue doing the things you enjoy.
“Immobility is associated with deconditioning and greater fall risk. Research has shown that fear is commonly experienced after a fall, leading to reduced physical activity and increased risk of falling,” Singh said.
Whittington also highlighted the importance of staying active and working on your balance via practices like yoga or tai chi, which can “greatly reduce the risk of falls,” he said.
“As we age, we lose muscle strength and flexibility, which affects our balance. Strengthening muscles and practicing coordination helps your body respond better to slips or trips, potentially preventing a serious fall.”