Michigan’s winters bring snowy and icy conditions that make everyday activities more hazardous. Slick sidewalks, parking lots, and entryways can increase the chance of a slip and fall injury. Being aware of the conditions that can cause these accidents, coupled with knowing how to prevent and treat them, can help reduce injuries and ensure timely attention from a Michigan urgent care center when falls do occur.
Why Do Slip and Fall Accidents Increase in Winter?
Ice that accumulates quickly on walkways and steps…snowfall that conceals uneven surfaces…freezing rain leaving behind an invisible layer of ice: these all create the perfect conditions for slip and fall risks.
Common winter hazards in Michigan include:
- Slippery parking lots and entryways
- Icy sidewalks and driveways
- Poor visibility during early sunsets
- Snow-covered steps and ramps
- Wet floors caused by tracked-in snow
Anyone can slip and fall during these conditions, but children, older adults, or those with balance or mobility challenges are at particular risk.
Top 5 Most Common Winter Slip and Fall Injuries
Some of the most frequently seen winter injuries include:
- Sprains and strains (ankles, wrists, knees)
- Fractures (wrist, arm, hip, ankle)
- Back and spinal injuries due to sudden impact
- Head injuries (concussions, etc.)
- Soft tissue injuries (bruises, muscle tears)
If you experience swelling, limited movement, or persistent pain after sustaining one of these injuries, it could be more serious than you think.
Prevention Tips: Winter Slip and Fall Injuries
Prevention is the best way to keep slips and falls at bay. Here’s how you can be proactive this winter:
- Wear footwear with slip-resistant soles
- Walk slowly and take shorter steps when ice is present
- Keep hands free for balance
- Use handrails on stairs
- Be careful when going indoors, where wet floors can be slick
- Stick to walkways that are cleared and salted
Employers and property owners have an elevated responsibility to make sure their property is free of ice and snow, with properly treated surfaces to reduce the risk of accidents.
What to Do After a Fall
If you fall, don’t get up right away. Take a beat to assess what happened, as sudden movement can worsen injuries.
- Stay still for a moment and wait for any pain or dizziness
- Seek help if you are unsteady or injured
- Apply ice to reduce swelling
- Don’t put weight on injured limbs
- Seek medical attention if you have persistent pain, swelling, or limited mobility
Sometimes, concussions and even fractures aren’t evident right away. You may assume your injury is mild, but be cautious of developing symptoms.
How Urgent Care in Michigan Can Help After a Winter Fall
Heading to an urgent care center in Michigan right after a fall can ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment – without waiting hours at the ER.
Urgent care clinics in Michigan offer:
- Physical exams and injury assessments without a wait or need for appointment
- On-site X-rays for suspected fractures
- Treatment for sprains, strains, and soft tissue injuries
- Wound care for cuts and abrasions
- Splints, braces, and mobility support
- Guidance on recovery and return to normal activities
- Follow-up with primary care physicians
Of course, not all slip and fall injuries warrant a visit to urgent care. In the case of the following, a trip to the ER or call to 911 is required:
- Severe head injury
- Loss of consciousness
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Severe chest, neck, or spinal pain
- Signs of confusion or neurological symptoms
- Inability to move or bear weight
Staying Safe This Winter
Michigan winters may be unpredictable, but there are steps you can take to minimize your risk of slip and fall injuries. Preventative measures, remaining alert in icy conditions, and seeking prompt medical care when an accident does occur can spell the difference between quick healing and a long-term injury.
Contact Specialty Urgent Care
Winter slips and falls can happen in seconds. Don’t delay getting the care you need. Walk in or call us today for efficient diagnosis and treatment.