Preventing Falls in the Elderly: Tips from Your DeSoto Podiatrist

There are several reasons why you’re more like to fall once you’re over 65. First, your reflexes may not be as sharp, so even a minor stumble could leave you tumbling to the ground. Also, some diseases that are more common as you age—diabetes, heart disease and neuropathy, just to name a few—can compromise your balance, making it more likely for you to fall. 

Now, while some of these concerns may not be avoidable, you can help prevent falls in the elderly by focusing on your foot health. After all, your feet are the base on which you walk each day. As such, maximizing their strength and stability can make the difference between taking a tumble and staying upright, even in the face of obstacles. 

In order to reduce your risk of falling—and fractures—follow these key safety tips:

1. Keep moving. Work with your doctor and podiatrist to create a workout plan that includes low-impact, weight bearing exercise to support bone health and prevent osteoporosis—and many falls. 

2. Focus on balance work. Activities such as tai chi, Pilates and yoga can all build your balance while toning your muscles and helping you stay on your feet. 

3. Pick supportive shoes. Choose foot wear with plenty of arch support, as well as non-skid, rubber-soles, and low or no heels. Also, make sure to wear shoes, even in the house, taking extra care not to walk around in socks or smooth-soled slippers, since they could increase your risk of falling, especially on wooden flooring. 

 4. Ask us about custom orthotics as an additional safety measure—especially if you’re dealing with imbalances in your foot strength that could compromise your stability. 

5. Remove hazards at home. Get rid of common tripping hazards such as loose area rugs, low-standing furniture, pet toys, and more. 

6. Test your eye-sight regularly. This will make sure your any corrective devices for vision loss will work sufficiently to prevent falls. 

7. Focus on your lifestyle. Avoiding alcohol and prioritizing a good night’s sleep can are both key elements of fall protection. 

8. Use care when rising. If you stand up too quickly—especially when first getting out of bed—your blood pressure could fall, leaving you dizzy and more susceptible to imbalances. 

9. Don’t be afraid to ask for assistance. If you feel unsteady when you walk, there’s no shame in using an assistive device such as a cane or walker. 

10. Be aware of changes in the weather. Falls are more likely when surfaces are wet or icy, so take extra care—or avoid outdoor walks—during rain storms or after a sudden drop in temperature. 

11. Your hands are valuable tools when it comes to preventing falls in the elderly—if you start to stumble, they can reach out to help you restore stability. As such, you should keep your hands free when you walk—especially when taking the stairs, so that you can hold on to the handrails for additional support. 

12. Bring up past falling incidents. If you’ve already fallen once, tell us about the incident at your next appointment in our office. Together, we can come up with a plan to reduce your risk of falling in the future.