Trauma Season
Courtesy OrthoTexas
As summer descends on North Texas , hospitals and emergency rooms across the state brace themselves for “ trauma season .” It starts innocently enough , we turn the clocks ahead and get a few more precious hours of daylight to play . Before you know it , the last school bell has rung and common sense is on vacation .
We ’ re not just talking about free wheeling , helmet-less kids on hover boards , no – according to the University of Pittsburg Medical center , adult trauma cases in their ER jump 25 to 30 percent in the summer months . These tend to be more “ grown-up injuries ,” such as joint and ligament injuries among weekend warriors and foot injuries due to improper footwear . Following this simple advice can help you stay active and out of the doctor ’ s office this summer .
Leave your flip flops poolside . Walking in improper footwear all day is a big no-no . With no arch support and very little cushioning , flip flops are an accident waiting to happen . “ Lounging around the pool is a perfect place to wear flip flops ,” says Dr . Keith Heier , an orthopedic surgeon specializing in surgery and reconstruction of the foot and ankle due to trauma and sports related injuries . “ Without proper foot support , the alignment of the body can be compromised , causing pain in areas such as your back , hips and knees . Diabetics should be especially careful when wearing flip flops , because of the additional care needed to keep their feet free of lacerations ,” he adds .
Know your limits . What ’ s better than a day on the golf course ? Two days on the golf course , of course ! Until , the inevitable back or elbow injury takes you out of the game for the remainder of the summer . “ Know your limits ,” reminds Mitchell Fagelman , a fellowship trained orthopedist who specializes in complex shoulder and elbow surgery . “ Take into consideration how long it ’ s been since you ’ ve played a specific sport before trying to jump right back in to what you used to be able to do .” As we age , our tendons and muscles become less flexible , resulting in injury from over use . “ Proper stretching is key in protecting from major damage ,” adds Fagelman , “ but there ’ s no amount of stretching that will allow you to do more than physically possible for your age and ability . Listen to your body and stop if you feel pain .”
Know the signs of a concussion . According to the CDC , 28 percent of traumatic brain injuries in the United States are caused by falls . “ Wearing a helmet is the easiest way to protect yourself from a concussion ,” says Dr . Shikha Sethi , a board-certified physical medicine and rehabilitation physician and concussion treatment specialist . A concussion can occur after an impact to your head or after a whiplash-type injury that causes your head and brain to shake quickly back and forth . Concussions are usually not life threatening , but they can cause serious symptoms that require medical treatment . In rare cases , a dangerous collection of blood ( hemotoma ) may form on the brain after a bump , blow , or jolt to the head or body and can squeeze the brain against the skull . It is always important to see a concussion treatment specialist if you experience a bump or blow to the head , accompanied by any of the symptoms listed below .
Signs and symptoms of a concussion may include :
• Headache or a feeling of pressure in the head
• Temporary loss of consciousness
• Confusion or feeling as if in a fog
• Amnesia surrounding the traumatic event
• Dizziness or “ seeing stars ”
• Ringing in the ears
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Slurred speech
• Delayed response to questions
• Appearing dazed
• Fatigue
Call 9-1-1 or go to the emergency department right away if you experience one or more of these danger signs after a bump or blow to the head :
• One pupil larger than the other
• Drowsiness or inability to wake up
• A headache that gets worse and does not go away
• Slurred speech , weakness , numbness , or decreased coordination
• Repeated vomiting or nausea convulsions or seizures
• Unusual behavior increased confusion , restlessness , or agitation
• Loss of consciousness ( passed out / knocked out )
By in large , summer injuries can be avoided with the proper safety precautions . So , get out there , have fun and be safe !
DALLAS COUNTY Living Well Magazine | JULY / AUGUST 2016
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