Every year, workers in New Jersey just like you are exposed to dangerous situations that can lead to crush injuries. If you yourself have suffered from one of these injuries, it’s beneficial to know what both the short and long-term effects may be. This can help you prepare for the medical journey ahead.
According to the National Institutes of Health, there are numerous and sometimes severe long term effects related to crush injuries. These effects have been observed most frequently in instances of mass injury through natural disasters like the Hanshin-Awaji earthquake, but aren’t limited to those scenarios. In many cases, there can be long-lasting or even permanent issues with both your nerves and mobility. It’s also possible to have sensory input problems depending on which area suffered the most damage. Crush injuries to the legs in particular take a long time to recover from and cause some of the most intense side-effects.
Typical short-term effects can include pain, discomfort, swelling, and bruising. You may also lose circulation to an extremity, which can possibly lead to amputation. It’s also possible for the most severe of the short-term issues to cause life-threatening situations. The severity of these injuries can be worsened by delayed or improper rescue, or medical treatment that doesn’t arrive on time.
Crush injuries can be much more than just a momentary situation of pain or discomfort. They can affect you for a long time, potentially even the rest of your life. Being aware of the longevity of these injuries can help you prepare for any medical recovery goals you may need to set in the future.