Three Ways You Can Improve Your Balance to Prevent Trips and Falls

Three Ways You Can Improve Your Balance to Prevent Trips and Falls

Three Ways You Can Improve Your Balance to Prevent Trips and Falls

One of the most common causes of injuries in those who suffer from joint and bone pain is by losing their balance and tripping or falling.  Many of our patients that suffer from symptoms of arthritis already have difficulty or pain when they walk, which can cause them to lose their balance and become injured easily.  As an orthopedic surgeon in Deltona, we try to prepare our patients with the right exercises to promote balance and coordination.  Being balanced will assist in preventing accidents or injuries related to common trips and falls, and this is especially common for those in aging populations.  There are a few ways that you can improve your balance so you can avoid injury caused by trips and falls.

Balance on One Foot

This may sound difficult at first, but standing on one foot can help you find your center of balance.  It can also promote coordination within your body and improve your focus.  This is important when you first start out, you should hold onto the back of a chair in order to have additional support.  Over time, you will likely be able to balance on one foot without any assistance.  Take turns balancing on each foot for 10 seconds at a time.

Body Circles

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, and focus on rotating your hips in a circular pattern.  By making a circular motion with your upper body, you will strengthen your core and focus, which will prevent you from being jolted from sudden movements.  Once you master this motion, close your eyes and continue the circular motion.  It will be more difficult with your eyes closed, but it will continue to build your strength and balance.

Heel-to-Toe Walks

You have likely mastered walking by now, but the heel-to-toe walk will introduce a more difficult technique to help boost your balance.  When you take a step, place your heel directly in front of the toe of your other foot.  Then, pick up your other foot and put the heel in front of your other toes.  Then, repeat this by alternating each foot.  When you first start to practice this walk, you should hold onto a table or counter for support.  Over time, you'll be able to focus and let go of this support.  This will promote both your coordination and balance.

By implementing these exercises into your regular routine, you will be able to work on improving your balance.  This will prevent you from having any accidental trips or falls that can result in a painful injury requiring therapy, medication, or even surgery.  If you are suffering from chronic joint pain or limited mobility, you'll want to meet with a top orthopedic surgeon in Deltona to get the care you need.  Contact us to set up a consultation with our experts today.