How to Recover From a Fall Down the Stairs
If you are lucky, you can end up with only a few bruises after a fall down the stairs. But you could also get cuts and scrapes, a sprain, a strain, a bone fracture, a concussion or another traumatic head injury.
Learn how to recover from a fall down the stairs, and take good care of yourself to get better, get back on your feet, and move forward with your life.
1. Seek medical attention
Of course, if you got badly hurt due to your fall down the stairs, you will need to see a doctor as soon as possible. It might even be necessary to go to the emergency room. But even if you feel fine, it could be a good idea to seek medical attention to check if everything is alright.
For example, if you suffer a neck strain, the pain and inflammation might not be obvious immediately but could show up hours after the fall. Seeing a doctor rapidly will help you get started on your path to recovery. Although your medical fees may rack up, you may seek compensation legally. Based on your circumstances, a personal injury lawyer Oshawa can help determine whether you are eligible for monetary coverage.
2. Use ice packs and pain medicine
After seeing a doctor and returning home, you can help relieve your pain and inflammation by taking over-the-counter pain medicine. If your pain and injuries are severe, the doctor might prescribe you some pain medicine.
For example, if you have bruises or a swollen ankle, you can apply ice packs to the area for about 10 minutes to help reduce swelling and discomfort.
You can also alternate ice applications with heat applications, which will help you feel better.
3. Take a lot of rest
Of course, you will have to take a lot of rest to help you recover from your fall on the stairs, especially if you got badly injured. Take some time off from work or daily responsibilities if you have to, and rest.
If you suffer a concussion, it will be important to rest your body and brain. Do your best to avoid loud sounds and bright lights for at least a few days. Avoid driving, multitasking, or doing complex chores, and don’t spend too much time in front of a screen.
4. Visit a physical therapist
Depending on the injuries you sustained, you might need ongoing physical therapy to be able to recover from a fall down the stairs.
Your doctor could refer you to a massage therapist or a chiropractor, who will help adjust and heal injured joints. A physical therapist should also be able to recommend you different exercises and stretches that you should do regularly to help you recover faster.
If you are an athlete, your trainer will know how to help you recover from your injuries so you can return to practicing your sport safely.
5. Seek emotional support
If you are a senior, falling down the stairs can become a traumatic experience for you. You might be wondering if you will have to move to an assisted living facility or if you will be able to keep living in your home.
You might also wonder if your body can fully heal and recover from your injuries.
If you feel anxious or overwhelmed, you need to seek emotional support from a loved one or a professional. Your emotional recovery matters as much as your physical recovery.
6. Stay active to improve your strength and balance
It’s important to take the time to rest your body and your head, but as you get better, you will have to get back to staying active to the best of your abilities.
Do some light exercises that will help improve your strength, your flexibility, and your balance. Even just taking a short walk each day will help your body improve, so you can return to your daily routine.
Improving your balance could also be necessary to help prevent another fall down the stairs.
7. Take some steps to prevent another fall
Even though accidents happen, you can always take a few steps to prevent them. Remember to always hold the handrail, even if you are on a short staircase. You should also take time instead of rushing up or down the stairs.
If stairs are in or outside your home, be sure they are always well-lit and free from clutter. Any object left on a stair could make you or someone else trip and fall, so make sure you never leave anything on your stairs.
And during the winter, as you walk around running errands, be cautious if you approach a staircase that seems to be icy. It might be best to avoid stairs covered in ice than to risk slipping and falling from them.