Slips and falls are one of the most common causes of accidental injuries in the U.S. The causes of slips and falls are numerous, and falls can happen anywhere, which is what makes them so dangerous.
A fall can hurt different parts of your body, but the arms and elbows often take the brunt of the impact. What are some common types of elbow injuries that a person may suffer during a fall?
Ligament damage
The arms and elbows consist of bones, nerves, muscles and ligaments. The Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) sits on the inside of the elbow. If your elbow feels unstable and painful on the inside or you have numb sensations in your fingers, you may have damaged the UCL. Recovery times from this type of injury vary, with minor ligament damage taking a few weeks to heal and severe damage taking up to a year.
Dislocation
The elbow is a joint, which means it can be dislocated. A fall can happen quickly, which means your arm may be in an awkward position when you land. Dislocated elbows frequently occur during a fall where the arms are outstretched. This is a particularly painful injury and suffering can be prolonged if urgent medical treatment is not sought.
Elbow fractures
The bones in the elbow are also susceptible to fractures during a fall. The elbow might swell or even become deformed. In many cases, surgery is required to fix the damage and the victim may also have to wear a sling for a considerable time.
If your fall was caused by negligence, you may be able to hold the individual or organization that caused it to account. Seek legal guidance to find out more about personal injury claims.
