Four Tips to Prevent Trip and Fall Injuries

Four Tips to Prevent Trip and Fall Injuries

Four Tips to Prevent Trip and Fall Injuries

Aging can cause a host of issues related to your mobility and the way your body moves.  Adults over the age of 50 are much more likely to develop symptoms of arthritis, which is caused by the diminishing cartilage between your bones.  This leads to joint stiffness and pain, tingling sensations, decreased range of motion, and overall fatigue.  When you suffer from these issues, you are more prone to tripping and falling - and this can cause severe injuries.  As an orthopedic surgeon in Deland, we work with many aging adults to prevent injuries and help them retain their quality of life.  There are a few tips that you can follow to prevent trip and fall injuries.

Stay Active

Even though you may have a tough time getting around, you should still encourage your body to stay active and move.  This doesn't always mean that you have to endure difficult exercises, but you should implement simple movements to keep your muscles from atrophying and keep your body strong enough to perform simple tasks.  Ask your doctor to give you a list of exercises that are beneficial to your specific target areas.

Remove Hazards

Take the time to look around your home and remove any hazards that could cause an accident.  Make sure that you have a clear path to walk around your home safely.  Avoid clutter, keep furniture far apart, and get rid of any unnecessary items to leave more room for your movement.  If you use any walking aids, like canes or walkers, be sure that you have enough clearance to walk through your home with these aides as well.  Being proactive is one of the best ways to avoid injuries.

Use Assistive Devices

Many people refuse help or assistance, but this can actually be more catastrophic to your health than anything.  Don't be afraid to use assistive devices, like canes, walkers, or even call buttons.  These can provide you with more stability so that any accidents can be prevented.  They can also reduce the stress you are placing on your body, which can result in keeping yourself healthier longer.  

Make Home Adjustments

Consider making some changes to your home so that you can get around much easier.  If you have the financial means to do so, you may want to consider placing all of your necessary rooms on one level to avoid any stairs.  If you need to do stairs, you can install a chair lift to help you get up and down.  Install bars and handles in your shower or tub so that you can stand and sit while bathing.  These simple adjustments can prevent accidents that can be easy to encounter while doing simple tasks at home.

These are a few tips that can prevent trip and fall injuries.  When you take it slow and follow the right practices, you will be able to spare yourself from severe injuries, like breaking bones or tearing muscles.  Contact our orthopedic surgeon in Deland to hear about how you can stay active and safe despite your joint pain today.