Fall Prevention
As we continue to age, one of the most common problems we face is an increased risk of falling. Even though this can happen to anyone, the elderly population should be especially aware of this, as falling at an older age can lead to severe injuries. At United Rehab Hands On Physical Therapy, we want to keep our patients upright and moving. That is why we’d like to offer fall prevention tips to keep you protected from some of the most common fall-related injuries.
Fall-Related Injuries
Nobody wants to have to live their life dealing with balance issues. When you’re unable to take a few steps without feeling dizzy and disoriented, it will indeed cause a decrease in one’s quality of life. Muscle weakness can also play a role in the development of a falling problem. If your condition is left unchecked, you put yourself at risk of sustaining any below injuries:
Broken bones.
Bone bruises.
Sprains.
Spinal injuries.
Dislocations.
In extreme cases, severe brain injuries.
Stay Moving (When Possible)
The first fall prevention tip our team would like to call out is to stay moving for as long as possible. If you’re healthy enough to exercise, we highly recommend doing so. The less you move around, the harder it is to do so without issue. Taking time out of your day to focus on exercising and improving your balance will go a long way in keeping you protected.
Wear The Right Shoes
Another way to stay upright this year is always to wear the right shoes when walking. Wearing things like high heels, flip flops, or shoes with slick soles dramatically increases your odds of falling and sustaining an injury. Wearing properly fitting shoes with non-skid soles should be a top priority when avoiding falls.
Additional Methods
Here at United Rehab Hands On Physical Therapy, we know how important it is to keep patients from falling. That is why we want to arm them with enough information as possible to help prevent falls from happening. In addition to the previously listed methods, our team always recommends focusing on the below:
Removing home hazards from your walking areas.
Invest in more lighting to brighten up your walking space.
Consider using assistive devices (canes, walkers, shower grab bars) around the house.
Contact Us
Even after trying to prevent falls on your own, they can still occur. When this takes place, you’ll want to work with a team of experts who can correct the problem. By visiting us here at United Rehab Hands On Physical Therapy, we can treat the fall's issues and work towards preventing falls in your future. To schedule your appointment, contact our team today.
