FALL PREVENTION TIP SHEET
With our population living longer, staying healthier, and increasing their physical activity; a new situation has arrived. Older adults are falling more often. One in every three adults age 65 or older will fall every year. Falls are the leading cause of injury death. Falls can cause more severe injuries such as hip and ankle fractures as well as head trauma. This has become a public health problem as there is an increase in emergency department visits and overall health care costs. Many older adults, even if they don’t get injured, develop a fear of falling. This may lead to less physical activity, which can lead to a reduction in mobility, and a decrease in overall physical fitness.
The first week of fall every year is recognized as Fall Prevention Awareness Week. As a result, we at Podiatry Care Specialists have written this tip sheet as a guideline that we hope can prevent a potential fall to you or a loved one.
1-Wear supportive shoes
Shoes should have a cushioned sole, a wide area on the bottom to stabilize the foot on the ground, and be lace-up or Velcro rather than slip-ons. Visiting a podiatrist will enable you to be fit properly for shoes and if any other devices or braces need to be added for additional balance, their experience in the lower extremity will be of great benefit to you.
2-Schedule regular doctor visits
Routine checkups can help prevent falls. Any condition involving the ears and eyes can cause balance problems. Certain medications have side effects that can cause drowsiness. Inform your physician if you have joint pain or shortness of breath when walking.
3-Stay active
Keeping fit and exercising on a regular basis maintains good health and can reduce the risk of falling. Walking, pool aerobics, and working out regularly will improve balance, flexibility, and muscle strength.
4-Prevent potential falling areas
Watch out for loose rugs, stray electric cords, and wet floors. Have easy access to light switches and maintain wide enough walkways. Have shoes at bedside to put on immediately and never walk in the dark.
5-Assistive devices may be necessary
Walkers and canes may be needed at times for balance. Use handrails on steps. Bathrooms should be equipped with grab bars for the shower, tub, or adjacent to the toilet seat.
Please visit our website for more information
http://www.podiatrycarespecialists.com/
Drs Bradford Jacobs and Chad Friedman from Podiatry Care Specialists, were at Chester County Hospital Diabetes Day on November 12th 2011. Diabetes Day is an annual event sponsored by The Chester County Hospital on information to help manage Diabetes. We were excited to have a lot of visitors at our booth and to help educate the Diabetics and non diabetics, on how important it is to take care of your feet.
http://www.podiatrycarespecialists.com/
FALL PREVENTION TIP SHEET
Kobe Bryant, the heart and soul of the Los Angeles Lakers, injured his foot when he stubbed his toe Sunday night. He has refused an MRI which has led to speculation that the injury is mild or that receiving the results might reveal a more serious problem that would cause the medical staff to shut him down. With the pivotal game 5 against the New Orleans Hornets set for tonight, the series is deadlocked at 2 apiece and Kobe's presence on the court is a must. Due to the lack of medical information out of the Lakers camp, we can only speculate what type of injury he has.
Neuromas are not a tumor. It is a thickening of a nerve as it courses between the metatarsals of your foot. The metatarsals are the bones behind the toe. Certain factors such as tight shoes, trauma, abnormal biomechanics of the foot can cause these neuromas to form. The neuroma is basically a pinched nerve. As it gets pinched the nerve tends to scar and fibrose within itself which can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. People may say that their toes may feel numb or they are walking on a pebble or stone. The most common location for the pinched nerve is between the 3rd and 4th toes most commonly called a Morton's Neuroma. They can occur in any of the toe web spaces.
