The Cold Wave Approaches, 'Kkwadang Warning' Issued

After So-han, Below-Freezing Cold and Rain/Snow Forecasted; Elderly Should Beware of Fractures

[Image source=Clipart Korea]

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Seryeong] As the coldest period, Sohan (小寒), passes, cold waves and snow/rain are forecasted depending on the region, raising concerns about fracture accidents on icy roads.

When roads are frozen or covered with snow making them slippery, pedestrians wearing thick clothes tend to move sluggishly and have reduced physical activity, leading to decreased muscle flexibility. The time to be cautious of fall accidents has begun.

In the elderly, joints, bones, and muscles weaken, strength decreases, and balance ability deteriorates, making them prone to falling easily. Their reflexes and agility to respond to sudden accidents also decline, often resulting in serious injuries.

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the number of patients visiting emergency rooms due to winter fall accidents increased by about 17.2% from 15,457 in 2015 to 18,121 in 2018.

For those aged 65 and older, the number rose by about 52.1%, from 3,647 in 2015 to 5,546 in 2018. The proportion of head and neck injuries was 40.3%, and fractures accounted for 47.3%.

When falling, people instinctively put their hands down first, causing the weight to be placed on the wrists and forearms, which makes the bones vulnerable to injury.

If the initial treatment period is missed and the injury is neglected, the tissues around the fracture site can be damaged or serious aftereffects may remain. Therefore, if the wrist swells or hurts immediately after a fall, it is advisable to get a diagnosis and treatment at a hospital promptly.

If surgery is necessary, methods include realigning the fractured bone and fixing it with metal implants or performing joint replacement surgery using artificial joints. The most appropriate method is selected based on the specialist’s diagnosis, considering the patient’s fracture condition and age.

Thick clothing can hinder joint movement and increase the risk of falling on icy roads. Experts suggest that wearing several thin layers to maintain body temperature is a better approach.

Missing the treatment period due to the assumption that pain after falling is natural can lead to nerve damage or deformity of the fracture site, so caution is required.

Kim Young-jun, head of the Joint Center at Daedong Hospital, said, “Elderly people may have low bone density due to osteoporosis caused by aging, so even a minor fall can cause fractures in the wrist, spine, or femur. Recovery takes a long time, and there is concern about aftereffects and health deterioration, so it is especially important to be careful during winter.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.