Falls and Imbalance
Falls and Imbalance
“I can’t… I’m afraid I will fall…”
Falling and feeling imbalanced are common issues experienced by many older adults. In addition to serious injury that can occur from a fall, experiencing fear and anxiety related to falling can prevent you from participating in activities you enjoy. Do you or someone you know feel imbalanced, have frequent falls, or experience fear of falling? If yes, keep reading to learn more about fall prevention!
Who is at risk for falls?
Fall risk increases with age. Did you know that an estimated 1 in 3 adults over the age of 65 experience a fall each year? Muscle weakness also contributes to falls, especially if you are not physically active. Diabetes and other disorders that affect sensation in the feet lead to decreased balance, which in turn can lead to falls. Falls can be caused by unknown factors as well. Impaired vision from incorrect eyeglass prescription and increased side effects from medications also increase fall risk.
Take steps to prevent falls
There are a few things you can do yourself at home to decrease fall risk. First, remove any throw rugs or clutter on the floor to avoid tripping hazards. If vision is impaired, mark stairs and steps within your home with brightly colored tape. Grab bars in the bathroom can be used to assist with balance getting into and out of the tub. Good lighting is also key. Make sure that rooms are well lit and use night lights at night to avoid bumping into objects or furniture.
Come to physical therapy!
Physical therapists are trained to evaluate your individual fall risk, make suggestions for changing your home environment, and work to improve your strength and balance to help decrease falls. Physical therapists perform specialized balance testing to determine which areas of balance are impaired to better address individual fall risk. Physical therapists are also trained to recommend an appropriate assistive device such as a cane or walker, if needed, and ensure that it is correctly fit to you. Here at Cray PT we offer fall risk evaluation and treatment, so if you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, come see us!
Are you or someone you know currently experiencing frequent falls or imbalance? If so, please give us a call at 339-987-4856.
Cray Physical Therapy offers treatments, management and general information for many disorders related to falls and imbalance. Give us a call at 339-987-4856 so we can help you get on the road to recovery! You can also fill out our contact form by clicking here and we will be back in touch.
