People get injured every day, but not everyone seeks treatment right away, as they probably should. If you are dealing with a musculoskeletal injury, not seeking treatment could lead to serious health complications. At Advance Physical Therapy, we are here to help you during any stage of your injury and recovery. 

Risks of Leaving Injuries Untreated

As previously stated, not seeking help after your injury can lead to another ailment down the line. Athletes that compete often push past the pain of their injury to stay in the game. In many cases, they become so accustomed to the discomfort that they may not even notice an injury. Non-athletes can also ignore their injuries for other reasons. Sometimes employees that have been injured hide their symptoms to avoid a period of unemployment or loss of income. Elderly individuals may also ignore symptoms to avoid loss of independence. In the long run, overlooking an injury can be dangerous and lead to complications. Here are some common injuries that, if left untreated, could cause serious problems:

Fractures 

Many people sustain fractures without realizing the extent of their injuries. If you have swelling, bruising, or pain over an area of your body after an injury, or if there is a visible deformity, you may be dealing with a fracture. Any fracture should be evaluated as soon as possible so it can be repaired or managed correctly. Some potential complications of an untreated fracture may include:

  • Deformity.
  • Pain.
  • Arthritis and joint damage. 
  • Muscle, nerve, or ligament damage. 
  • Tissue or bone death. 
  • Blood clots.

Soft Tissue Injuries 

Tendonitis, sprains, strains, tears, and ruptures are all common injuries that affect people of all ages. Some of these injuries are less serious than others. Acute injuries like ACL tears or rotator cuff tears can be excruciating. Without actively seeking treatment, you may lose function. Some other risks of not treating muscle, ligament, and tendon injuries can include:

  • Instability.
  • Pain.
  • Arthritis. 
  • Disability.

Concussions

If a concussion is left untreated, it can lead to post-concussive syndrome and a number of health issues, including some of the following:

  • Headaches.
  • Fatigue.
  • Balance Issues.
  • Eye Pain.
  • Sleep Disturbances. 
  • Epilepsy.

Though some of these potential outcomes are rare, they are a possibility. If you have suffered a concussion, you should see a doctor right away to avoid any of these possible complications. 

Contact Advance PT

If you are dealing with an injury, you should not hesitate to seek help to avoid future issues. At Advance Physical Therapy, we are to help you treat and prevent any damages that may occur so you can live an active, pain-free life. Contact our team today to schedule an appointment for physical therapy.