Falling down can be scary, especially for older people. It can lead to serious injuries like broken bones or even make it hard for seniors to be as active as they used to be.
But the good news is that falls aren’t something we must accept as part of getting older. There are ways to prevent them, and our orthopedic clinic, the Center for Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine can help guide you on how to stay safe while remaining active.
Why Fall Prevention Is Important
Falls are a major cause of injury among older adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one out of four seniors aged 65 and older falls annually.
For seniors, keeping balance and avoiding falls is important for several reasons. First, as we age, our bones can become more fragile. This means that a fall that might not hurt a younger person too much could lead to serious injuries for seniors, such as broken hips or wrists.
Secondly, being afraid of falling can make some seniors less active, making their muscles weaker and increasing their risk of falling.
Common Causes of Falls
Understanding why falls occur is the first step in preventing them.
- Balance and Gait Issues: As we age, muscle strength and coordination can decline, leading to balance problems.
- Medications: Certain medications can cause dizziness or drowsiness, increasing the risk of falls.
- Musculoskeletal Conditions: Conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and muscle weakness can significantly impair mobility and balance.
How Our Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine Can Help
Our orthopedic clinic specializes in caring for bones, joints, and muscles—all the things that keep you standing tall and balanced. We’re all about helping seniors stay as healthy and active as possible, reducing their risk of falls.
Here’s how we do it:
Strength and Balance Exercises
One of the best ways to prevent falls is by staying strong. Orthopedic doctors at our orthopedic clinic can work with physical therapists and recommend exercises that specifically target the muscles you need for good balance and walking.
These might include leg lifts, walking in a straight line, or standing on one foot (with something nearby to grab onto if needed).
Home Safety Checks
Surprisingly, a lot of falls happen in the home. Our team of experts wants to help keep you and your loved ones safe at home.
We can advise on how to make the home safer for seniors. This may include installing grab bars in the bathroom, ensuring good lighting, and removing any rugs that could cause someone to trip.
Regular Health Check-ups
Regular health checkups at our orthopedic clinic are a secret weapon in preventing falls for seniors. When older adults visit our clinic, they get a full check-up of their bone health, muscle strength, and how well they can move around.
During these checkups, orthopedic doctors can spot any trouble early on. For example, if they notice that your balance isn’t as good as it should be, they can suggest specific exercises to strengthen the muscles that help keep you upright.
They can also check to ensure that any medicines the senior takes aren’t making them dizzy or sleepy, which could increase the chance of a fall.
Proper Footwear
Wearing the right shoes is crucial in preventing falls, especially for seniors. Our orthopedic clinic can provide recommendations on which shoes are best for keeping you stable and comfortable when walking.
Assistive Devices
Canes, walkers, and other assistive devices can provide stability and support. Our orthopedic clinic can recommend the best devices based on individual needs and provide training on their proper use.
Support and Education
Education is crucial in preventing falls. Our orthopedic clinic provides resources and support to help you learn about fall prevention and how to use effective strategies in your daily life.
Fall Prevention with the Center for Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine
No one wants to worry about getting hurt, but with a little help, seniors can take steps to protect themselves and keep doing the things they love.
If you or a loved one are looking to stay safe and keep moving, the Center for Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine is here to support you every step.
Our expert team of highly qualified orthopedic doctors is trained and specialized in preventing falls. We use a whole-person approach, using advanced methods in orthopedic treatment to create personalized care plans that improve your strength, stability, and mobility.
For more information or to schedule your consultation, call us today at (210) 692-7400 or use our appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!
