People of any age are susceptible to falling, but older adults are especially at risk.

Falls are the leading cause of injury and injury death for people over the age of 65 and were responsible for nearly 3 million emergency room visits for older adults in 2021, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control .

No matter your age, its important to take falls seriously, emergency room physician Dr. Joe Whittington told HuffPost.

Whether its a young person who brushes off a fall or someone older who thinks its just a part of aging, its important to understand that falls can lead to complications like infections or long-term disability, said Whittington, who runs the Dr. Joe MD TikTok account . Prevention is key. Keeping up with regular physical activity, making environmental adjustments and knowing what to do after a fall can significantly reduce risks.

We asked Whittington and other ER physicians what theyd advise people to do after a fall, including tips to help prevent this type of incident. Heres what we learned:

First, do a full-body check for injuries.

Before you even attempt to get up, do a full-body check for pain, particularly in the head, neck, or spine, as well as possible fractures or dislocations, Whittington said.

You should also look out for abrasions, significant swelling, severe pain or the inability to move any part of your body, ER physician Dr. Jordan Wagner told HuffPost.

This step is crucial to avoid worsening a potential fracture, dislocation, or internal injury by moving too quickly, said Wagner, also known as Doctor ER on YouTube . If you notice any sharp pain or have difficulty moving, stay there and call for emergency help if a phone is nearby.

Move slowly.

Sudden movements can worsen hidden injuries like sprains or fractures, Wagner said. Other serious fall-related injuries like internal bleeding or concussions may not be apparent right off the bat.

If you feel dizzy, nauseous or in significant pain, stay still and call for help. Getting up too quickly can worsen an injury, Whittington said.

If you hit your head, seek medical care ASAP.

If you hit your head during the fall, get evaluated by a medical professional immediately even if you feel OK at first, Wagner advised.

Symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, headaches, or nausea could indicate a concussion, brain bleed, or a more serious injury, he explained. Brain bleeds, in particular, can be life-threatening and often develop at different rates, so you might not notice severe symptoms right away. Head injuries are tricky and can escalate quickly, so its always better to be safe than sorry.

Know that falls can be especially dangerous for those taking blood thinners, as these medications can increase the risk of potentially life-threatening bleeding, especially after head trauma, former emergency medicine physician Dr. Jessica Singh , founder and CEO of Sukhayu Wellness , told HuffPost.

If youre experiencing other concerning pain or symptoms in general, you should seek immediate medical care, she added.

Treat any minor injuries at home.

If theres no immediate sign of a serious injury, take deep breaths and apply ice to any sore areas, Wagner said. Ice helps reduce swelling and prevents further damage.

Dont try to tough it out, he added. Its important not to push through pain or discomfort after a fall.

If youve injured a limb, elevate it to minimize swelling, Whittington advised.

For example, if youve twisted your ankle or injured your knee, keeping it elevated above your heart helps the healing process, he said. Dont ignore what seems like a minor injury. Early care can prevent more serious issues later.