SEPTEMBER: NATIONAL FALL PREVENTION AWARENESS MONTH

SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL FALL PREVENTION AWARENESS MONTH AND HERE AT ALIGN FOOT & ANKLE CLINIC, WE UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF RAISING AWARENESS ABOUT THIS CRUCIAL ISSUE AND ARE DEDICATED TO HELPING OUR PATIENTS REDUCE THEIR RISK OF FALLS.

September is National Fall Prevention Awareness Month and here at Align Foot & Ankle Clinic, we understand the importance of raising awareness about this crucial issue. We are here to provide you with valuable advice on how to minimize the chances of foot and ankle injuries, hip fractures, and head injuries. Dr. Ho-Ellsworth and our team are committed to helping our patients prevent falls and stay on their feet safely. 

A Personal Connection from Dr. Ho-Ellsworth 

This topic is one that hits close to home for me, after my father, who was on blood thinners at the time, sustained what he deemed an “insignificant fall”. He was getting up from the couch, slipped and landed hard on his bottom. Aside from a bruised bum and pride, he didn’t see any other obvious injuries or side effects, so he didn’t inform his doctors or family. It wasn’t until several days later, he started experiencing weakness and needed to use a walker. My 87 year old father, who had been going to the gym daily and walking unassisted, suddenly became so deconditioned that he could barely stand up. The fall he sustained, had caused small vessels in his brain to stretch and snap, and since he was on blood thinners, the bleeding continued between his brain and skull and without any room to escape, the pressure was applied directly to parts of his brain, affecting his strength, mobility, and ultimately his speech. Fortunately for my family, it was discovered in time and after undergoing surgery to remove the blood and stop the bleeding, he made a full recovery after months of physical therapy and rehabilitation.  

But not everyone is so fortunate.  

According to the National Council on Aging, over 1 in 4 adults over 65 years of age, experience a fall each year, and are the leading cause of fatal injury and most common cause of non-fatal trauma admissions to the hospital.  

Falls result in more than 3 million injuries treated in the emergency room, yearly.  

Regardless of age, implementing a falls prevention program is key to reducing the risks of these injuries:

  1. Choose practical footwear that offers excellent traction, featuring a solid and sturdy sole to ensure optimal stability and reliable arch support. Steer clear of flimsy flip flops, slippery socks, or smooth-soled shoes that might trigger accidents like slipping, stumbling, or tumbling.
  2. Create unobstructed pathways by eliminating any tables, plant stands, or chairs from heavily frequented zones. Be sure to remove any electrical cords, boxes, or rugs that could pose potential hazards.
  3. Light up your path to make sure you don’t get surprised by any hidden obstacles as you walk through familiar areas. Make safety a priority by adding more light to every room and staircase before you use them.
  4. Use assistive devices – this is perhaps the biggest struggle for many of our patients. Many view them as a sign of weakness or loss of independence, but in fact, it’s quite the opposite. Canes and walkers provide stability so that you may continue doing things in a safe manner. Install grab bars in bathrooms and showers or tubs and always use handrails along stairs. 
  5. Maintain an active lifestyle and continue to stay in motion – One of the factors contributing to my father’s remarkable recovery, according to doctors and therapists, was his consistent engagement in physical activities prior to his injury. Regular exercise can enhance your strength, balance, coordination, and flexibility, ultimately decreasing the chances of experiencing falls. If you have concerns or reservations about starting any form of physical activity, it is advisable to consult with your doctor.
  6. Above all, make sure to schedule a follow-up appointment with your doctor after any falls or injuries and carefully observe for any abnormal symptoms or side effects that may occur as a result of the fall, seeking immediate medical attention if necessary.

September’s designation as National Fall Prevention Awareness Month is crucial in raising awareness about the significant impact of falls on individuals’ health and well-being. At Align Foot & Ankle Clinic, we understand the importance of fall prevention and are dedicated to helping our patients reduce their risk of falls. Dr. Ho-Ellsworth provides comprehensive foot and ankle evaluations to identify any potential issues that may contribute to falls. She also offers personalized treatment plans, including orthotics and exercises, to improve stability and decrease the likelihood of falls. By prioritizing fall prevention, we can ensure a safer and healthier future for our patients. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards preventing falls and maintaining your independence. 

To discuss a treatment plan tailored to your needs, schedule an appointment with Dr. Ho-Ellsworth by visiting our website or call us at (512) 882-4911.  

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