Car accidents are traumatic and dangerous. Being involved in one often means that you will walk away with significant injuries. Sometimes, people involved in a car accident might feel fine immediately after the crash. However, this doesn’t mean skipping a medical checkup is okay.

Skipping a checkup after a car accident can have debilitating effects. Car accidents often result in severe injuries that may not manifest externally until later. Orthopedic injuries are often seen in car accident victims. Ignoring orthopedic injuries may result in deformity, joint damage, and arthritis.

Common orthopedic injuries sustained in a car accident

Even minor accidents exert a significant force on the body, making it unsurprising that internal or external orthopedic injuries are common consequences of accidents. Even if you don’t spot a single scratch on your body, you may not be completely uninjured. The importance of orthopedic treatment after injury in Florida can’t be stressed enough. It can be key to recovery and maintaining your quality of life.

Let’s explore some common orthopedic injuries that can occur in a car accident.

Whiplash

Whiplash is an injury to the neck or spine caused by the whipping motion when your body doesn’t gradually decelerate or slow down in case of a forceful impact. Whiplash isn’t a single injury and can be used to refer to injuries such as torn or damaged neck or shoulder muscles, slipped discs, severe bruising, pinched nerves, and others. Most whiplash injuries in the U.S. are estimated to occur from motor accidents. If you have been in a car accident, you are at risk for whiplash injuries. Common symptoms of whiplash include:

● Neck pain that worsens with movement
● Stiffness in the neck
● Headache
● Fatigue
● Dizziness.
● Shoulder pain
● Vision problems

The severity of whiplash can vary according to different factors, such as the impact force and the collision angle. While some whiplash injuries may heal within a few weeks with proper rest and pain management, chronic pain and long-term complications are also possible.

Fractures

Fractures are probably the most known orthopedic injuries and are common in car accidents. They can occur in any part of the body, from arms, legs, hips, spine, and ribs to even the minuscule finger and toe bones. The severity of fractures can range from a hairline fracture to complete breaks requiring surgical intervention.

Pain, swelling, and limited mobility in various degrees are common effects seen after sustaining a fracture. Immediate medical attention is vital to ensure proper recovery and prevent aggravation.

Fractures, if not treated in time, can cause deformities as the bone heals in a displaced position. If a fracture results in the bone sticking out of the skin, it can pose deadly infection risks.

Dislocation

A dislocation occurs when a bone is forced out of its normal position in a joint. While mostly larger joints such as the hip and shoulder are affected by it, thumbs and fingers may also be dislocated. Car accidents often result in dislocation in shoulder, elbow, knee, and hip areas. Similar to fractures, dislocations can cause significant pain, swelling, and limited mobility. In severe cases, surgery may be needed to treat dislocations.

Consult an orthopedist immediately if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

● Pain in the area
● Visual deformity, in other words, the injured area looking abnormal
● Immobility
● Bruising and swelling
● Joint instability

An orthopedist may manipulate the joint to push the bone back into place. Following the procedure, pain medication and rest are needed for complete recovery. In most cases, patients recover fully from dislocation. Recovery can take from a few weeks to months, depending on the affected joint and the injury’s severity.

Spinal cord injury

Car accidents can cause severe orthopedic injuries like spinal injuries. The spinal cord controls various bodily functions. A bundle of nerves runs from the brain to the lower, forming the spine. Injuries in this region can have grievous effects like partial or complete paralysis and loss of sensation.

The severity of spinal cord injuries depends on the location and extent of the damage. Recovery is possible, granted that immediate medical attention is provided to prevent further damage.

Orthopedic Treatments for injuries after a car accident in Florida and Orthopedic Personal Injury Florida

Do you need orthopedic treatment for an injury in Florida but need help deciding which doctor to go to? With Injury Assistance Network expert advice, you can be sure to get the best treatment for your injury. Car accidents can cause a range of orthopedic injuries. At IAN, a team of experienced representatives strives to alleviate your worries after an accident and help you find the right doctor for your orthopedic injuries.

Conclusion

Orthopedic injuries can cause significant pain, limit mobility, and require much time for recovery. Awareness of commonly occurring orthopedic injuries after a car accident can help you in many ways. Being aware of the potential risks can help you seek the right treatment in the event of a car accident.

Preventive measures like wearing a seat belt, avoiding distracted or drunk driving, and texting while driving can ensure your safety on the road and subsequently reduce the risk of orthopedic injuries.

Even after taking all possible precautions, sometimes a car accident might be unavoidable. In such cases, contact us for the best orthopedic treatments after a car accident injury in Florida.