Do’s and Don’ts for Lowering Fall Risk

Each year in September the National Council of Aging calls us to focus on Fall Prevention Awareness. At Texas Foot Specialists, we know this is a critical issue for our senior patients. It’s estimated that one in four Americans 65 and older falls every year. Falls are the biggest cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries for older people. They also have detrimental mental effects, resulting in fear of going out and isolation. There are ways to reduce risk, however.

Here are some do’s and don’ts to help prevent a fall.

Do: stay active. Regular exercise and movement improve flexibility and help prevent stiff joints which can make walking more difficult. Consider adding an exercise class that increases your balance.

Don’t: put off making an appointment at our Sugar Land (281-242-4448), Pasadena (281-991-0600), or Houston (713-664-6677) offices if you are experiencing any foot or ankle discomfort. Foot pain is a primary cause of falls! Our podiatrists, Dr. Bruce Miller and Dr. Gregory Mangum, will diagnose your foot pain promptly and develop a treatment plan to alleviate it.

Do: ask your doctor or pharmacist to go over the complete list of medications, supplements, and vitamins you are taking to check for potential interactions like dizziness or low blood pressure that can lead to passing out.

Don’t: neglect your annual eye checkup. If your vision decreases you will be more likely to trip and fall. Oftentimes, vision loss can be gradual and undetectable, so be sure you get checked every year.

Don’t: wear shoes that are worn out. Stretched out shoes or those with uneven soles can also lead to a fall. Your foot size can change. Get your foot professionally measured and don’t wear shoes that hurt your feet.

Do: a walk-through of your entire house to look for areas that need safety improvements. Some examples include installing grab bars around the toilet and in the shower, adding a second handrail on your stairs, putting non-slip strips in your tub or shower, increasing lighting at the entrance to your home and in hallways, and eliminating tripping hazards like electrical cords, throw rugs and plants on the floor.

Do: place items you use daily within easy reach. Save hard to get to cabinets and the upper shelves in closets for things that you only need rarely and then ask for help to get them down.

A few simple steps can greatly reduce your fall risk.