If you are a senior citizen, you ought to be mindful of the dangers of suffering from a nasty fall. Trips and tumbles of all kinds can be potentially damaging both to the health of your feet and your overall body. There are many steps that you can take to make falls less likely. First, you can be sure to remove obstacles in your home that would make balancing on your feet more difficult. You can, for instance, make surfaces less slippery and remove clutter or electrical chords that might get tangled up at your feet, causing you to trip. Additionally, you might consider wearing a pair of shoes that fit properly instead of walking around the house in socks. Although just wearing socks on the feet can be comfortable, it can increase your risk of losing stability on your feet. Another option might be purchasing non-slip socks. Lastly, you might even want to join an appropriate exercise program to strengthen muscles in your feet and lower legs. Doing this can improve one’s balance and mobility, making falls less likely. Talk to a chiropodist for more information about preventing falls.
Falls are a major cause of injury among the elderly. To learn more about preventing falls or to get treatment following a foot or ankle injury caused by a fall, please consult with one of the chiropodists from Complete Family Footcare & Therapy. Our clinicians will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Falling is one of the leading causes of injury among the elderly. It is said that about 50% of falls that result in hospitalization occur in the home. Fortunately, there are steps that you can implement to reduce your risk of falling in the home.
Tips to Prevent Falls at Home:
- In the bathroom - Place non-slip mats in the shower or tub, install grab bars near the toilet and bath, and wipe up any moisture or spills as soon as possible.
- In the living rooms and bedroom - Remove loose wires, cords, or other objects that may be an obstacle to moving around safely. Make sure that you have good lighting throughout the home so that you can always see where you are going. Get rid of any rugs or mats that are not firmly anchored or that may cause you to trip. When walking around the home, move slowly.
- In the kitchen - Store food and supplies in easily accessible areas, store heavy items in lower cupboards, and wipe up any spills immediately to prevent slipping.
- On the stairs - Make sure that the stairs are well-lit and have secure handrails. Walk slowly when ascending or descending the stairs.
- Outside - Keep walkways well-lit and clear of snow, ice, leaves, and man-made tripping hazards.
Maintaining your overall health, including the health of your feet, can also help to prevent falls. Eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and wear well-fitted, comfortable, and supportive shoes. If you have a mobility device, such as a cane, use it while walking.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in North York and Mississauga, ON .
