Managing Limb Injuries Following an An Accident
Updated: Sep 4
Any type of limb injury after an accident will probably require seeing a specialist immediately.
Limb injuries sustained must be properly diagnosed and addressed in a timely manner.
When you have a leg injury or pain, you can trust the limb injury orthopedic physicians at any one of The NYPMD Fracture Clinic Locations in New York.
Limb threatening injuries can be caused by: MVA, Occupational accident, open wound injury or closed injury. The loss of a limb can happen after any car accident, but pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists face a greater risk of suffering from a serious injury.
NYPMD New York car accident doctors, are ready to answer your questions about leg or arm injury treatments from new patients. Our New York no-fault doctors are experts in handling personal injuries that have left accident victims with limb injuries.
Limb-threatening injuries include:
Open fractures/ dislocations
Traumatic amputation (an injury that results in loss of the extremity distal to the wound) and severe vascular injuries
Compartment syndrome
Neurological compromise due to limb injury
How do you treat arm and leg injuries after an accident?
In terms of professional services, NYPMD's Trusted Trauma And Fracture Specialists treats the underlying causes of limb symptoms with various techniques and procedures.
Based on the case, you may have options such as:
Your doctor will suggest the least invasive and potentially most effective treatments first. If you have a condition we are unable to address, we will provide a detailed reference to an NYPMD member of our trusted specialist network.
What are some common limb injuries?
Limb injuries include broken bones, dislocations, sprain, strains, injuries to the nail, and bruising.
The forces involved in car accidents, slip and fall, could cause a variety of injuries to your extremities. These could include broken bones, dislocations, or cuts and bruises. However, unexplained symptoms in these areas could also be the result of injuries along your spinal column — neck and back injuries often create pain symptoms that travel to your limbs.
In your arms, typical sources of pain or sensitivity would be whiplash-related injuries, back injuries, or distressed tissue around the arm joints, especially around the shoulder. In your legs or hips, back problems are the leading causes of the most common symptoms.
Do chiropractors treat limb injuries?
Chiropractic care can be effective for some types of limb injuries. As mentioned above, one of the most important steps in relieving the pain in your arms or legs is to identify the underlying cause. Please call us at 888-982-4846 to begin this process as soon as possible.
Famous people who have had limb injuries
Tiger Woods: The renowned professional golfer suffered a series of injuries, including multiple knee surgeries and back problems that affected his limbs and overall golf performance.
Alex Smith: The NFL quarterback endured a devastating leg injury in 2018 that led to multiple surgeries and a lengthy recovery process. His determination to return to the field earned him widespread respect.
Bethany Hamilton: The professional surfer lost her left arm in a shark attack when she was just 13 years old. She not only survived the attack but continued to pursue her passion for surfing and became an inspiration to many.
Paul McCartney: The legendary musician and former member of The Beatles famously injured his left arm in a motorcycle accident in 1966. This incident prompted the song "Band on the Run."
Kristi Yamaguchi: The Olympic figure skater sustained a wrist injury during practice before the 1992 Winter Olympics but still managed to win the gold medal despite the setback.
Tom Brady: The NFL quarterback tore his ACL and MCL in his left knee during the first game of the 2008 season, leading to his absence for the entire season.
Frida Kahlo: The Mexican artist endured numerous injuries, including a bus accident that caused serious damage to her spine and pelvis. These injuries heavily influenced her art and self-expression.
Ayrton Senna: The legendary Formula One driver suffered a broken wrist and ribs in a crash during the 1985 Monaco Grand Prix, but he continued to compete and win championships.
Napoleon Bonaparte: The French military and political leader sustained a foot injury during his Egyptian campaign in 1799, which caused him pain and mobility issues throughout his life.
Babe Ruth: The iconic baseball player injured his leg in a collision during a game, but he continued to play with the injury and even hit a home run shortly after.
What type of doctors should be seen in the event of a limb injury?
Orthopedic Surgeon: Orthopedic surgeons specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and surgical intervention of musculoskeletal conditions, including limb injuries. They can perform surgeries to repair fractures, ligament tears, joint injuries, and other orthopedic issues.
Sports Medicine Physician: Sports medicine physicians specialize in treating injuries and conditions related to physical activity and sports. They often work with athletes and active individuals to diagnose and manage limb injuries, using both surgical and non-surgical treatments.
Trauma Surgeon: Trauma surgeons are experts in treating traumatic injuries, including those resulting from accidents, falls, and other incidents. They often deal with complex fractures and severe injuries that may require immediate surgical intervention.
Physical Therapist: Physical therapists are not doctors, but they play a crucial role in the rehabilitation of limb injuries. They develop personalized exercise and rehabilitation programs to help patients regain strength, flexibility, and mobility after an injury or surgery.
Occupational Therapist: Occupational therapists focus on helping patients regain functional abilities and skills necessary for daily activities. They may work with individuals who have sustained limb injuries to improve their ability to perform tasks at home and work.
Rheumatologist: Rheumatologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions that affect joints, bones, and connective tissues. While they often deal with chronic conditions like arthritis, they can also provide expertise in managing limb injuries that involve joint damage.
Podiatrist: Podiatrists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to the feet, ankles, and lower limbs. They can provide care for injuries, deformities, and other issues affecting these areas.
Physiatrist: Physiatrists, also known as rehabilitation physicians, focus on restoring function and managing pain in patients with musculoskeletal injuries. They use a combination of non-surgical interventions, such as medications and physical therapy, to aid recovery.
Emergency Room Physician: In the case of acute limb injuries or emergencies, an emergency room physician may be the first medical professional to provide initial assessment and treatment before referring the patient to a specialist.
What type of treatment are available for a limb injury?
Fractures and Broken Bones:
Casting or Splinting: Minor fractures can often be treated by immobilizing the limb with a cast or splint, allowing the bone to heal properly.
Surgery: Severe fractures may require surgical intervention to realign and stabilize the bone using pins, screws, plates, or rods.
Physical Therapy: After the initial healing phase, physical therapy helps regain strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the injured limb.
Ligament and Tendon Injuries:
Rest and Immobilization: Mild ligament or tendon injuries may heal with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), followed by gradual movement.
Physical Therapy: More severe injuries may require physical therapy to improve strength, stability, and flexibility.
Surgery: In cases of complete tears or severe damage, surgical repair or reconstruction of the ligament or tendon might be necessary.
Dislocations:
Closed Reduction: A healthcare professional manipulates the displaced bone or joint back into its normal position without surgery.
Immobilization: After reduction, the limb may be immobilized with a cast or sling to allow healing.
Physical Therapy: Rehabilitation exercises are often used to restore joint function and strength.
Nerve Injuries:
Observation: Minor nerve injuries may heal on their own over time with appropriate care.
Surgery: Severe nerve injuries might require surgical intervention to repair or reconnect damaged nerves.
Neurological Rehabilitation: Physical and occupational therapy can help with nerve healing and functional recovery.
Overuse Injuries (e.g., Tendinitis):
Rest and Activity Modification: Resting the affected limb and modifying activities that contribute to the overuse injury can help alleviate symptoms.
Physical Therapy: Therapeutic exercises and techniques can address muscle imbalances and promote healing.
Anti-inflammatory Medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be prescribed to manage pain and inflammation.
Amputations:
Surgical Procedure: In cases where a limb cannot be saved, surgical amputation is performed.
Prosthetic Fitting: After amputation, a prosthetic limb may be fitted to restore function and mobility.
Rehabilitation: Extensive physical and occupational therapy helps amputees adapt to their new circumstances and learn how to use prosthetic devices.
Burns and Soft Tissue Injuries:
Wound Care: Depending on the severity, burns and soft tissue injuries require careful wound care, dressings, and topical treatments.
Skin Grafts: In severe cases, skin grafts may be performed to promote healing and reduce scarring.
Where are there NYPMD locations in New York to seek treatment for limb injuries?
NYPMD has over 30+ New York Injury Care locations for treatment for limb injuries.
Limb Injury Specialties
Elbow
Foot and Ankle
Fracture Care
Hip
Joint Replacement
Knee Injury
Shoulder
Citations:
Ammori, Mohannad B, and Fikri M Abu-Zidan. “The biomechanics of lower limb injuries in frontal-impact road traffic collisions.” African health sciences vol. 18,2 (2018): 321-332. doi:10.4314/ahs.v18i2.17
Dischinger, P C et al. “Consequences and costs of lower extremity injuries.” Annual proceedings. Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine vol. 48 (2004): 339-53.