Preventing falls can protect your feet

By Julie Maurer

Millions of people are treated in emergency departments each year for fall-related injuries. According to John Stevelinck, DPM, a Board Certified Foot and Ankle Specialist at The CORE Institute, ankle sprains can be common with falls. However, injuries to the foot and ankle due to a fall can be even more severe, including fractures. “A simple fall as someone ages can sometimes lead to a metatarsal fracture, which can require surgical intervention, prolonged recovery, and physical therapy,” Dr. Stevelinck said. He o ered his top tips in how to not only reduce vulnerability to falls, but to prevent them by mak-

Dr. John Stevelinck ing home safety improvements.

MEDICATION MANAGEMENT

Some medications can cause lightheadedness or dizziness, especially narcotic pain medications, according to Dr. Stevelinck. Those who have neuropathy, which in and of itself can cause instability and imbalance, may also experience lightheadedness on their medications for the condition.

“If a person is prescribed narcotics, it’s very important to talk with their doctor about proper dosing to prevent that side effect,” Dr. Stevelinck said.

PREPARING THE HOME

There are several regular household hazards that can cause falls, and a little prevention can go a long way to keeping upright. Dr. Stevelinck recommends the following: • Reduce clutter in walkways and hallways • Avoid too many throw rugs, especially as one ages, as they are light and can o en slip • Install handrails • Utilize walking assisted devices if suggested by a doctor

When it comes to handrails in the home, Dr. Stevelinck said that many people are sensitive about putting them in, but they can be essential for stabilization.

“You also need to make sure that the rails on your stairs are secured to the wall and not loose, and that the stair casing is stable and in good condition,” Dr. Stevelinck said. “People with balance issues or injuries should try to avoid the stairs if they are able to.”

The stairs are also a common place for clutter to gather in the home because people will make piles on the bottom step to carry up later and then forget about them.

If going up the stairs is necessary for those prone to falls, he recommends having a spotter to make sure it is done safely, or to try going up and down in a sitting position on one’s backside.

BALANCING THE BODY

“Falls don’t always occur during walking; sometimes they happen while sitting or standing up,” Dr. Stevelinck said. Balance training can be helpful in improving stability, and most physical training facilities o er it along with gait training.

Other tips to improving balance include: • Ankle bracing • Sti er soled shoes • Balance exercise at home • Other exercises to engage lower extremity muscles to keep them strong

“Hold on to each side of a doorway and stand on one leg at a time for a few seconds and then alternate,” Dr. Stevelinck said. “Doing that a few times a day can really help with balance retraining.”