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Injuries

By Bjarne Lühr Hansen PhD, MD and Philipp Skafte-Holm MD, Mentor Institute

Most frequently, adults get hurt on the workplace or when they do sports. It can be hard to determine whether a bone is broken, but if you can move normally immediately after the accident, a fracture is unlikely. Swelling, discolouring and soreness around a joint can be signs of a sprain. If you have hit you head, you should pay attention to signs of concussion. Concussion appears by headache, vomiting and drowsiness.

Click to read about how to assess the sick.

What can you do?

If possible, you should put a cold cloth or ice bag on the injury right away. If you have struck your arm or leg it should be elevated, for example on a pillow. If you have hit your head and have a headache you, should keep still until the headache is gone. If you are in pain, it is a good idea to take painkilling medication like for example Paracetamol.

Contact the doctor tomorrow

If you are in pain in spite of your own treatment.

Contact the doctor immediately

If you suspect a fracture in a bone. If you have hit your head followed by unconsciousness. If you have hit your head and later has a headache and starts vomiting. It can be sign of concussion.