One-quarter of all Americans age 65+ fall down every year. And many of those who fall sustain injuries such as a traumatic brain injury or a hip fracture. Devastating injuries like these can start a downward spiral for senior citizens, from losing their independence to having to enter a nursing home to, sadly, premature death.
Falls Prevention Awareness Day, September 22, exists to help seniors understand their risks, and it also hopes to empower vulnerable citizens to make positive changes. Today, we’ve narrowed the risks to four chief areas of concern. Focus on improving these four areas to decrease your risk of falling.
- Home: add lighting in low-lit hallways or rooms; install grab bars in the shower; throw out area rugs or make sure they’re securely gripping the floor; clear pathways of debris such as piled books, newspapers, or bins of trash and recyclables.
- Health: fix any problems you have with your feet; exercise to improve your muscle tone and balance (Tai-chi, yoga, and walking are all good ones to try); keep your eyeglass prescription up to date; ask your doctor to check your Vitamin D level, as low Vitamin D is associated with weakened bones.
- Clothing and Footwear: loose clothing can catch on furniture and doorknobs; shoes that don’t fit well or have worn soles can cause you to trip and fall.
- Medications: some prescription medications can cause dizziness, disorientation, or brain fog. Ask your doctor if your medications put you at risk of falling.
Our experienced podiatric surgeons, Dr. Craig B. Frey, Dr. Megan L. Oltmann, and Dr. Jim Swienconek, can help senior citizens eliminate foot or ankle pain, regain confidence in their mobility, and prevent falls with orthotic inserts, diabetic foot care, bunion surgery, physical therapy, and much more. Call Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland in Solon, Ohio at (440) 903-1041 or contact us online to schedule a consultation. We offer a modern office with the latest technology for podiatric patients in Portage, Geauga, Cuyahoga, and Summit Counties, proudly serving our patients from Solon, Aurora, Bedford, Chagrin Falls, Hudson, Macedonia, and Twinsburg.