Car accidents are something that happen all across the country each and every day. And while many may just result in cosmetic damage to the vehicles, others are more serious and can lead to injuries to the drivers and their passengers. If you’ve been unfortunate enough to be involved in a car accident and suffered knee trauma due to impact against the dashboard of the vehicle, there is no doubt that you’re anxious to get back to feeling great and being able to function as normal.
But not so fast, before you push things too far and end up setting back your recovery, there are some tips that you can use. These tips will not only help you recover in a safe manner but will do so in a way that speeds up your recovery.
Ensure the Damage Has Been Properly Assessed
The first step is to ensure the injury has been properly assessed by a doctor. Knee injuries can range from relatively minor and acute, to much more serious issues that require surgery to essentially rebuild the knee. The extent of the damage will, of course, determine the recovery path that you take.
The type of injury you sustain will also determine how long your treatment path will be, and what kind of doctors and specialists will be required for your care.
Don’t Assume You Can Go About Normal Activities
While no-one wants to be down and out and stuck sitting on the couch with their leg elevated, the fact is that you can’t just push through the pain and expect to go about your normal activities. In the immediate dates that follow an injury, rest is usually the most important thing you can do. Remember, taking the time to slow down and allow your injury to heal does, in fact, speed up the recovery process.
Listen to the Cues from Your Body
This is also a good time to listen to the cues from your body. If you are doing something that causes more pain or you feel as though you’re not getting any better despite following doctors’ orders, it’s probably time to listen to your body and seek guidance from your doctor. Again, blindly pushing through pain and discomfort doesn’t mean you’re on the road to recovery.
Be Realistic About the Recovery Timeline
There is also the mental aspect of the injury that you will need to come to terms with. It’s important to be realistic about the recovery timeline. For minor injuries, you may just need a few weeks or a couple of months to feel good as new. If it’s a more serious injury, however, you could be looking at months, years, and a permanent injury that will require physical therapy on a regular basis.
If you sustain a serious injury in a car accident, it’s vital that you speak to a car accident attorney, so you receive appropriate compensation.
Taking Your Injury Seriously
No matter how minor or severe your knee injury is after you have been in a car accident it’s important to take it seriously, visit your doctor immediately for a proper diagnosis, follow the treatment plan, and stay realistic about your recovery timeline.