Helping Seniors Prevent Falls
Many older patients may not realize the role their podiatrist plays in helping prevent falls. At NY Foot Health, we are committed to helping seniors avoid falls in several ways:
Providing fall risk assessments
Treating foot and ankle problems
Educating patients and their families on fall prevention
Encouraging mobility
Take the First Step
As a senior, falling may be one of your greatest fears—and with good reason. Studies show that one out of every four seniors aged 65 and older fall each year and falling is the number one cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries.
If you have concerns about your risk or questions about how to lower it, start by talking with your podiatrist. If you don’t currently have a podiatrist, you can find one using our online directory. The foot doctor is a primary source of help for fall prevention. Some ways to lower your risk of falls include:
Don’t put off getting foot pain evaluated. When a part of our body hurts, we naturally try to move to avoid the pain. When the part that hurts is your foot or ankle, you may try to change the way you walk, and this can cause you to lose your balance and trip and fall.
Get accommodative devices as needed. The foot doctor will examine your feet and get a complete medical history. They will also want to ask questions about your lifestyle and activities. In some cases, a brace, cane, or walker can increase your stability and enable you to be more independent. The foot doctor can prescribe the appropriate device and make sure it fits correctly and understands how to use it.
Keep up with all regular medical care. Manage chronic conditions such as diabetes which can impact how well your feet function. Get your eyes checked every year. Have your pharmacist or physician compare all the prescription and over-the-counter medications that you are taking to check for interactions that may cause fainting or dizziness.
Make healthy lifestyle choices. Maintain an appropriate weight and make sure you exercise regularly. It helps maintain flexibility and fitness. Consider an exercise program designed specifically to increase balance, such as Tai Chi. Get 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
Partnering with your podiatrist can help reduce your fears and your risk of falling. To learn more ways to be proactive in the health of your feet, contact us and subscribe to our free e-newsletter.