How to Know When You Can’t Just “Walk Off” an Injury
By Brian Acton
Some injuries are merely temporary aches and pains caused by minor accidents, exercise, or even everyday activities. But other injuries are more problematic, and may require rest, therapy, or other medical interventions. It isn’t always easy to tell which is which, and in the case of serious injury, “walking it off” can make the problem worse. Sometimes, there are warning signs that you’ve suffered a serious injury, and you need to get yourself to a doctor. Here are five signs you can’t just walk off an injury.
Some injuries are merely temporary aches and pains caused by minor accidents, exercise, or even everyday activities. But other injuries are more problematic, and may require rest, therapy, or other medical interventions. It isn’t always easy to tell which is which, and in the case of serious injury, “walking it off” can make the problem worse. Sometimes, there are warning signs that you’ve suffered a serious injury, and you need to get yourself to a doctor. Here are five signs you can’t just walk off an injury.
- You Know Exactly When the Injury Occurred - Everyday aches and pains and overuse injuries will often occur subtly, and you won’t be able to pinpoint the cause of pain. You may have slept on your neck wrong, or walked a greater distance than normal. In these cases, you might be able to wait and see if the injury heals itself. Other times, you know exactly how you hurt yourself. If you roll your ankle or felt a muscle tear, for instance, you were probably able to immediately identify your injury. In these cases, you’re more likely to have severely injured yourself.
- It’s Hard to Walk - You can’t walk it off when you can’t walk. If taking a few steps causes major pain, you may have fractured something. Even if you didn’t, you will probably need time to rest your injury so you don’t make it worse. If you can’t walk, it’s time to get yourself to the doctor (and put your feet up in the meantime).
- You Feel Unstable - Injuries don’t always come with severe pain. But if you feel unstable or wobbly as you move, you could have sustained a severe injury. For example, a wobbly or unstable knee could be the sign of a ligament tear. If you’re having trouble supporting yourself, you should see your doctor.
- Pain That Doesn’t Dissipate - Normal aches and pains aren’t always a cause for concern. Stretching, rest, and strengthening exercises can often help you overcome minor injuries. But pain that progressively worsens over time could be a sign of a greater problem.
- Head Injuries - Head injuries need to be taken seriously. If you have any symptoms - such as blurred vision, dizziness, or nausea - after taking a knock on the head, you may have suffered a concussion. Get yourself to a doctor.
In Closing If you experience any of these warning signs, you may have sustained a serious injury. Even if not, it’s usually better to be safe than sorry, because serious injuries don’t always make themselves known. If you suspect you’ve been injured, you should see your doctor to address the issue before it becomes worse.