4 Common Reasons for Falls and How To Avoid Them
/
At Texas Foot Specialists, we know that the major cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries to our senior patients is falling. In fact, every 11 seconds an elderly person is treated in an emergency room for a fall-related injury. Fortunately, there are several ways to significantly reduce your risk of falling. Below are some of the more common reasons for falls and how to prevent them from happening to you.
Foot Pain - Think about the last time your foot hurt. Chances are you started to change the way you walked to shift pressure away from the painful area. Once you do this, you take a chance of throwing off your balance and taking a spill. At the first sign of foot or ankle pain or discomfort, contact our Sugar Land (281-242-4448), Pasadena (281-991-0600) or Houston (713-664-6677) office for an appointment. Our podiatrists Dr. Bruce Miller and Dr. Gregory Mangum will conduct a complete examination of your feet and ankles and also get a medical history to quickly get to the source of your discomfort and prescribe the correct treatment.
Shoes that Don’t Fit - Shoes that are too small or too big can easily cause a fall. The same goes for shoes that are stretched, damaged or just plain worn out. Ask the foot doctor for shoe recommendations if you have a chronic condition. Get your foot professionally measured and be sure that the shoes you choose fit securely and comfortably.
Poorly-Lit Spaces - Have a family member conduct a walkthrough of your home at night. Start at the front entrance. Is there enough light on the stairs up to your home? Can you easily see to put the key in the lock? Inside your home check hallways, staircases and the path you normally take to get to the bathroom at night. Install extra lighting where needed.
Missing Medical Checkups - Your medical condition and overall health can impact your fall risk. Not staying up to date with eye doctor appointments, for example, may mean you don’t detect decreases in your vision. Other conditions may cause dizziness or fainting. It’s also a good idea to periodically ask the pharmacist to review your medication list for possible interactions that can lead to feeling lightheaded or dizzy.
If you’re a senior and have additional questions about the health of your feet, contact us today.