The monsoon begins between late May to mid-June in Delhi. With heavy rains, the overall weather changes from hot and dry to humid and cool. This pleasant weather may take you down memory lane or might also revive any old muscle/joint pain, it may lure you to go out for an adventure or may become the cause of a fall accident. In short, the opening of the heavens may cheer you up while the moisture in the air may give rise to problems such as stiffness in muscles or joint aches. Moreover, rains make roads slippery, and the accumulation of water in puddles makes for muddy spots around the uneven ground, which can lead to accidents.
Keep scrolling for monsoon safety tips to prevent trips slips and fall injuries and suggestions to enhance bone and muscle health during monsoons by our best orthopaedic doctors in Delhi.
The Risk Factors
Let us look at the risk factors that may result in a slip and fall:
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Uneven surfaces
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Slippery roads or floors
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Potholes on the path may cause us to trip
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Wet leaves, ice and frost
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Shoes with a bad grip
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Muddy areas in parks
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Algal growth near puddles
The Possible Injuries
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Soft Tissue Injuries
The injuries that are not visible immediately yet can cause immense pain. These injuries may include ankle twists, wrist sprains, knee sprains and tears in ligaments and tendons. Soft tissue injuries need immediate medical care and may result in chronic pain or damage.
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Head Injuries
Any damage to our head needs urgent medical attention. A concussion that results in a lapse in consciousness, swelling or bleeding to the head can be fatal. Ignoring a head injury can be extremely dangerous. An expert medical practitioner must check for trauma and brain injury symptoms to ensure well-being.
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Cuts and Bruises
Cuts and bruises might look minor and often go unnoticed, especially in hyperactive youngsters. While they are less severe than other types of injuries mentioned above. Cuts and bruises require treatment on the surface using an ointment or stitches. Cuts and bruises in monsoon season can be an excellent source of entry for pathogens into our body, leading to all kinds of infections and diseases. Most cuts and scrapes heal within a few days, without serious repercussions hence, they must not be ignored entirely.
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Spinal Cord Injuries
Slipping or falling can sometimes lead to spinal cord injuries which can be life-threatening or may hamper our movements for an extended period. Spinal cord injuries may happen due to a sudden shock on the spine that may sever the spinal cords or compress them. An injury higher up the spinal cord or the cervical spinal cord may result in complete paralysis. In contrast, an injury on the lower portion of the spine may cause paralysis in the legs. Spinal cord injuries need urgent medical attention without any delay. Visit Manipal Hospital today to know more about Spinal cord injury treatment in Delhi.
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Fractures
Fractures are cracks or breaks in the bones. Breaking a bone is a scary feeling accompanied by severe pain. Depending upon the bone location and size of the fracture, its healing may take anywhere between a few weeks to several months. A fracture may also cause damage to surrounding tissues and affect the nervous system and its connection with movement, known as neuromuscular dysfunction. An X-Ray followed by immediate treatment from an expert practitioner is a must in such cases.
After experiencing a slip and fall injury, it is important to contact the best multispecialty hospital in Delhi.
How to avoid slips and falls?
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Take the support of guardrails when using the stairs.
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Avoid dark and damp places. Use a flashlight if unavoidable.
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Ensure your footwear is not slippery and provides good grip support.
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Use a cart or elevator when carrying heavy items.
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Be aware of your surroundings, and identify objects that may fall or cause a slip.
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Avoid the use of mobile phones while walking.
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Always dry your feet on a mat before entering a building.
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Park your car in a place that does not have wet patches.
Recommendations for Minimizing Damage
With changing seasons, there is a rise in infections and injuries. Doctors at the Orthopaedic Department at Manipal Hospitals regularly advise people to switch to a healthy lifestyle and consume a nutritious diet for a strong body. Some recommendations by our orthopaedic doctors are:
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Consume a healthy diet full of seasonal fruits and vegetables.
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Supplement your diet with Vit. C-rich fruits or supplements to improve overall immunity.
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Consult an Orthopedician in Delhi before taking Vitamin D supplements. Low Vitamin D causes low bone mineral density, making it more susceptible to fractures.
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Work on your balance by doing strength and flexibility training and exercises to strengthen your core and back.
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Do regular eye check-ups to ensure you can observe and avoid slippery areas.
At Manipal Hospitals, our doctors pay close attention to detail and examine patients thoroughly to ensure proper treatment and healing. We indulge in the following tests to determine the severity of the injury:
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Physical examination to understand movement patterns and pain symptoms.
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X-ray to observe skeletal damage.
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MRI to identify any cracks in the soft tissues.
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CT scans provide a complete view of the bones, blood vessels, and soft tissues.
Based on the results we determine the course of the treatment. Call us to book an appointment with the experienced orthopaedic surgeons at Manipal Hospitals.
Stay active, hydrated, and cautious, and have a happy monsoon!
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