Preventing Falls for Seniors
May is Older Americans Month. In honor of that, we at Goldsmith Podiatry would like to focus on an area of critical concern for our Manhattan senior patients: preventing falls. Estimates show one in four Americans over the age of 65 will fall this year. For an older person, a fall can be a life-altering experience. In addition to rehabilitating from an injury, falls can leave a person scared of going out and participating in activities they previously enjoyed. You can maintain an active lifestyle without fear by reducing your fall risks. Below are effective strategies for fall prevention:
Don’t put off getting foot pain evaluated. One of the primary causes of falls is changing how you walk to avoid pain in your ankles or feet. Foot pain is not a normal part of aging, and it most likely won’t just go away on its own. Make an appointment at our Upper West Side office by calling 212-877-1002 so our podiatrists, Dr. Howard Goldsmith and Dr. Rosanna Troia can examine your feet and alleviate the source of your podiatric discomfort promptly.
Workout for strength and balance. It’s a fact, lack of physical activity leads to weak muscles and a greater chance of falling. Regular exercise will keep muscles strong. Be sure to add some exercises such as Tai Chi that help improve balance as well. Ask your physician for exercise recommendations.
Don’t skimp when it comes to shoes. Get your feet professionally measured and buy good quality shoes that fit correctly, and toss worn shoes. Shoes that are stretched out or have rips or other damage to the soles or uppers are a tripping hazard.
Get your medications checked. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to take a comprehensive look at all your medications. Some drugs may not interact well with others. Certain medications may have fainting, dizziness, or blurred vision as a side effect.
Stay current with your eye exams. Vision changes can be subtle, but a decrease in in-depth perception and the ability to see well at night can cause a fall.
Fall-proof your home. Get rid of low-lying plant stands, magazine racks, and other sources of stumbling. Install additional light in stairways and outside front and back doors. Add grab bars and non-stick strips in the bathroom.
Working together with your podiatrist and your loved ones can all help you decrease your risk of suffering a fall and help ensure you continue to enjoy all the active life you love. If you have questions about senior foot care, contact us today.