Reduce Your Risk of Falls
At Pasco-Hernando Foot & Ankle, we know one of the significant risks our senior patients face is falling. Falls are the number one cause of both non-fatal and fatal injuries in the age group 65 and over. In fact, one in four seniors will fall this year. Rather than being frightened by those statistics, however, we’d like to help empower our patients to prevent falls. Below are some ways you can reduce your risk.
Don’t ignore podiatric pain. You may wonder what that has to do with falling, but it's quite simple: if your feet or ankles hurt, it's instinctive to try to walk in such a way as to avoid the pain. It will often throw off your balance and increases your risk of falling. When you are experiencing foot pain, it's essential you contact our Hudson office at 727-868-2128 or 352-683-5799 promptly and let our podiatrist, Dr. Lawrence J. Kales, examine you and determine the source and treatment of your discomfort.
Exercise for better balance. There are many exercise programs, such as Tai Chi, specifically geared toward improving balance. You can look online or contact your local senior center for leads on this type of exercise class. Simple exercises at home, such as marching in place and practicing balancing on one leg, will also help. Just be sure you have a sturdy chair or counter nearby in case you feel unsteady.
Stay active. The more you move, the less stiff you’ll be and the less likely you’ll be to take a tumble. Regular exercise improves flexibility and circulation, as well.
Be mindful of your surroundings. Don’t carry items that prevent you from seeing the path in front of you. Keep your arms free so you can hold onto something if you stumble or break your fall if you feel yourself going down. Be on the lookout for broken pavement, objects on the sidewalk, and uneven surfaces.
Practice good shoe sense. If it’s wet and rainy, wear shoes with low, wide heels and a gripping tread. Avoid thin, high heels always, which naturally make your feet unstable.
If you're a senior with questions about the health of your feet, don't hesitate to contact us.