Falling outside the home can pose a significant risk, especially for older adults. Falls outside the home can be caused by uneven terrain, slippery surfaces, or crowded areas. Parks, parking lots, and public staircases are common spots where falls may occur, leading to serious injuries like broken bones. Footwear choices play a vital role in preventing falls. Your shoes should offer solid support, fit properly, and have non-slip soles to provide stability. Balance issues, lower extremity weakness, or joint pain can also increase the risk of falls outside the home. A podiatrist can assess these factors, recommend supportive footwear, and suggest custom orthotics to improve balance. This foot doctor can address underlying foot conditions that might compromise your stability or suggest exercises and assistive devices to improve balance. If you have injured your foot or ankle from falling, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment methods.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Howard Waxman, DPM from Pleasant Valley Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Willoughby Hills and Broadview Heights, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.