With the arrival of the monsoon, summer’s scorching nature becomes calm. But with it the risk of danger also rises. In particular, with roads slippery in the rain, there are various travel troubles, including the risk of a sudden fall.
While a slip may cause minor injury for many, it can be far more serious for the elderly. According to Dr Nishit Jayant Shah, consultant orthopaedic and sports-injury and robotic joint-replacement specialist at Apollo Hospital in Pune, India, falls in the rainy season can lead to fractures, ligament injuries and long-term mobility problems if not treated promptly.
Why young people often suffer ligament injuries in the monsoon
Rainwater can make roads, stairs, footpaths and playing fields slippery. As a result, physically active people often fall victim to accidents such as sprained ankles, knee injuries and twisted legs during the rainy season.
Dr Shah said a sprained ankle is one of the most common injuries in the monsoon. Uneven surfaces and slippery ground can make the foot twist unexpectedly.
In his view, suddenly changing direction while running or playing sport can injure the knee ligaments. With reduced road friction in the rainy season, the risk of motorcycle and bicycle accidents can also rise.
Common symptoms include
Pain around the joint; swelling; difficulty walking; pain in the joints; bruising; and a feeling of instability.
Why the elderly are at greater risk
For the elderly, even a minor slip and fall can quickly turn into a serious health problem.
As age increases, muscle strength naturally declines and balance becomes less stable. If an elderly person suddenly slips and falls, it becomes difficult for them to recover.
Dr Shah said a hip fracture is among the most serious injuries in elderly patients during the monsoon.
Dr Shah gave several pieces of advice to avoid the risk of falling, such as: wear shoes with good grip; use handrails whenever possible; walk carefully on wet surfaces; do not rush on slippery stairs; after a fall, even if the injury seems minor, consult a doctor; and stay physically active to maintain strength and balance. He said falls in the rainy season may seem minor at first, but prompt diagnosis and proper treatment can help prevent long-term complications.
Most injuries can be treated effectively
Many injuries that occur in the rainy season can be managed with rest, medication and physiotherapy. However, surgery may be needed in cases of serious fractures or torn ligaments.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report