What to Do Right After You Fall | Performance Health

As you get older, your risk of falling increases. More than 1 in 4 adults over the age of sixty-five who live at home will fall at least once every year.¹ A sudden fall can be shocking and painful. In fact, many falls in older adults result in either minor or serious injuries. Do you know what to do after a fall?

How to Get Up From A Sudden Fall

Pause and take a few deep breaths. This will help you get over the shock of falling before you attempt to get up.
Decide if you are injured. Getting up too fast or moving incorrectly can make an injury worse.
If you think you can get up without assistance:

Roll over onto your side.
Rest for a few moments.
Get up onto your hands and knees and crawl to a sturdy chair.
Place your hands on the chair’s seat and move one foot forward so it is flat on the floor.
Keep your other knee bent.
From this kneeling position, slowly rise and turn your body so you can sit in the chair.

If you need assistance to get up:

Ask someone for help
If you are alone, call 911 using a phone you can reach or a medical alert necklace
Move into a comfortable position and wait for help to arrive

Should I see a doctor after my fall?

It’s always best to see a doctor after you fall. You may feel okay now, but there are many injuries that won’t show symptoms right away. If you wait, these injuries could get worse before you realize you are hurt. If you hit your head, it’s especially important to get checked out by a medical professional.

Ouch! How can I relieve pain and swelling after a fall?

Cold packs are the perfect solution for relieving your pain and swelling. Just follow these simple steps.

Apply cold packs immediately after injury to minimize swelling.
Continue to apply for 10-20 minutes at a time, three or more times a day.
After the first three to four days, switch to heat once the inflammation is gone.

Switching to heat packs after the first few days helps increase your blood flow and relieve your pain. Therapearl Hot and Cold Therapy Packs are an excellent 2-in-1 product to keep on hand because they can be frozen for cold therapy and microwaved for heat therapy.

And if you’re looking for a quick, pain relief alternative, try Biofreeze.

How do I prevent future falls?

You can reduce your risk of falls in your home by following these safety tips.

Remove any rugs or make sure they are firmly taped down. They can be tripping hazards.
Add a grab bar in your bathroom to reduce the risk of falls while getting in and out of the shower or bathtub. If you already have a grab bar, consider adding HoldFast Grips to create a non-slip grip.
Avoid stretching to grab things that are out of reach. Going on your tiptoes to retrieve something from a high cabinet or bending down to reach something that fell on the floor can cause you to fall. A reacher helps reduce your risk of injuries.
Be prepared for falls. Keep a phone within reach from the ground, in case you are unable to stand. For added safety, use a Guardian Alert 911. You can wear the pendent around your neck, on your belt, or in your pocket and always have access to 911 in an emergency, even if you can’t move to get to the phone.

Learn more about fall prevention and find out about additional products so you can stay safe and independent!

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Important Facts About Falls. Retrieved from https://bit.ly/2mjZik6

Medical Disclaimer: The information provided on this site, including text, graphics, images and other material, are for informational purposes only and are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition