Orthopedic traumatologist, neurosurgeon, candidate of medical sciences Denis Naumov told RT in a conversation what injuries people most often encounter during the New Year holidays.
The doctor noted that due to the popularity of pyrotechnics during this period, people often suffer from burns and injuries to their hands and fingers.
“Fireworks and firecrackers, if handled incorrectly, become dangerous entertainment that can cause real damage to health. So, every year during the New Year and holidays, people are admitted to the trauma department with burns, tissue ruptures and even amputation of fingers due to the improper use of firecrackers or fireworks,” he explained.
As the expert emphasized, the only sure way to avoid such injuries is either not to use pyrotechnics at all, or to follow all safety rules and buy products in trusted places from official manufacturers.
According to Naumov, the second most popular injury is bruises.
“Most often such injuries occur due to a fall during icy conditions. Mostly they go away on their own and do not require specialist intervention. However, falling on your tailbone can cause severe pain and damage to the sacral spine. Seeing a doctor is necessary if the pain becomes stronger, does not go away over time, and interferes with sitting or walking. Elderly people should also pay special attention to their well-being when falling, since often their awkwardness can result in a hip fracture, which requires immediate medical attention,” the expert said.
The doctor emphasized that such bruises can be minimized by using non-slip shoes with grooved soles or special pads.
During icy conditions, it is advisable to walk in small steps, slightly tilting your body forward, and keep your hands free, he advised.
As Naumov said, another category of injuries that is especially common during the New Year holidays is back injuries.
“During this period, people intensively lift weights – carry boxes, bags of food, various goods. They can harm themselves by doing this if they bend at the waist rather than squat with a straight back and support on their legs. Also, falls on the back, lower back and sacral spine often occur in winter, both during skating and during icy conditions. Those at risk are those who already have hernias or protrusions of intervertebral discs,” the specialist explained.
According to him, if after a fall or heavy lifting the pain persists or intensifies for a week, this is a direct indication for a visit to a traumatologist.
“You shouldn’t put off visiting a doctor, as early diagnosis and treatment can reduce the risk of complications, speed up recovery and prevent the development of chronic back problems,” he concluded.
Previously, Russians were explained how to receive compensation for an injury received in the winter.
