Falls generally result from a combination of risk factors including chronic health problems, age, and environmental hazards. The risk of falling increases as a person ages and with the number of risk factors present.
Common risk factors for falls:
- Fear of falling
- Limitations in mobility ad undertaking the activities of daily living
- Impaired walking patterns (gait)
- Impaired balance
- Visual impairment
- Reduced muscle strength
- Poor reaction times
- Use of multiple medications
Chronic health problems that cause falls:
- Heart problems and/or diabetes
- Cancer
- Arthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Bad knees or back
- Foot problems
- Mental issues
- Lung problems
- Mobility problems
Environmental risk factors:
- Dull lighting
- Clutter on the floor
- Lack of handrails and support at home
- Stairs
- Ill fitting footwear
At Pivot Podiatry, our Podiatrists will carry out a falls risk assessment involving the assessment of muscle strength, joint range of motion and mobility, balance, and neurological status. A personalized exercise regime will be established, incorporating strength, stretch and balance exercises.
Exercise Benefits:
- Gives you more energy
- Helps you sleep better
- Helps you relax
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Improves concentration
- Improves self-confidence
- Helps to control weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes
- Helps to reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis
Our team have put together an exercise program to help reduce the risk of falls. You can download the program and