Senior Fall Risk Reduction

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According to the National Council on Aging, millions of senior citizens fall each year and one in five of those falls results in a serious injury. Many of these falls are preventable though. Balance issues, gait changes, and improperly fitting footwear are just a few things that lead to these all too common accidents.

Reduction is key!

  • Promote stability and balance with regular exercise. Tai Chi and yoga can keep you active in your golden years.

  • Have your eyes examined every year.

  • Remove any tripping hazards in the house. Get rid of small throw rugs, add or improve railings on the sides of stairways, improve lighting, and remove wires or other trip hazards.

  • Make sure if you wear slippers in the house, they are optimized for the right type of flooring. Nonslip slippers are great for tile and hardwood but might get caught up in the carpet which could cause a fall.

Shop smart for shoes!

A shoe that doesn’t fit right can be painful, but also can lead to a debilitating fall in a senior citizen, especially if they have mobility or balance issues already. Try the 1, 2, 3 test on any shoes you already own:

  • One – press the sides of the heel to make sure they’re stiff and won’t collapse.

  • Two – bend the shoe back and front to check for toe flexibility.

  • Three – twist the shoe. It should resist the twist in the middle.

If your shoes fail these tests, it’s time to go shopping! When you shoe shop, follow these steps:

  • Shop in the evening when your feet are the largest

  • Have your feet measured every time you buy new shoes

  • Try on shoes with socks you wear and any orthotic devices you regularly use

  • Make sure they’re comfortable right away. New Shoes shouldn’t have a “break-in” period.

Visit with your podiatrist

Are you headed into your golden years and have questions about foot health? Dr. Stuart Snyder and Dr. Sara Sharma are here for you. At Maple Springs Foot Center we have extensive experience diagnosing and treating foot or ankle conditions at any age. To get in touch, request an appointment online or call our off serving the Gaithersburg, MD at 301-762-3338.

proper footwear, fall preventionMaple Springs Foot Center