As the seasons change and the weather turns colder, the risk of falls increases significantly. And for seniors, the challenge is twofold: falls are not only more likely for them at this time of year but also more damaging when they occur. Annually, 37 million older adults fall in the US, and that leads to roughly 3 million ER visits.
Falls Prevention Month means it’s as good a time as any to take action with some preparation ahead of time. In this post, West Hartford Podiatry will discuss common fall hazards, effective prevention strategies, and more. Keep reading to learn how you can stay on steady ground, no matter what the weather brings.
Common Fall Hazards
It’s a common misconception that falls are a natural part of aging. In reality, most falls can be traced back to specific factors, and they are NOT normal.
To stop falls from happening, be vigilant regarding:
- Slippery surfaces. Ice, snow, wet leaves, and uneven sidewalks can all contribute to falls.
- Poor lighting, which can make it difficult to see potential hazards.
- Tripping hazards. Loose rugs, cords, and clutter can increase the risk of falls.
- Certain medications that can cause dizziness or balance problems.
Prevention Tips
To reduce your risk of falls, try to:
- Choose appropriate footwear: Choose shoes with good traction and supportive soles. Avoid high heels.
- Boost your balance with exercises like tai chi, yoga, or ankle-strengthening stretches.
- Declutter your space: Remove unnecessary items and tripping hazards where possible.
- Consider at-home safety features like grab bars in the bathroom or handrails on stairs. This might seem like a lot of work, but so is recovering from a foot or ankle fracture!
- Consider customized braces or orthotics: A podiatrist can help you determine if braces or orthotics could improve your balance and stability.
We hope the hints above help you avoid any unexpected stumbles, but if you’re seeking more guidance, the CDC publishes many valuable free resources on this topic. Since falls can be dangerous for seniors in particular, we recommend contacting us for emergency treatment in the aftermath. Better safe than sorry!
At West Hartford Podiatry Associates, Dr. Marc Lederman and Dr. Kurt Rode treat ankle sprains, fractures, running injuries, sports injuries, bunions, hammertoes, heel pain, neuromas, and more. If you’re in need of emergency services, we can treat you faster than an urgent care clinic! Contact us online for your foot and ankle needs, or call (860)236-2564. Our office is at 2531 Albany Ave, West Hartford, CT 06117.