Stay Stable in September: A Guide to Falls Prevention

September is Falls Prevention Awareness Month for good reason: with the advent of autumn and lower light throughout the day, your risk of falls increases significantly. As a leading cause of injury for individuals of all ages in the United States, falls can carry serious consequences for anyone, but that’s especially true for older adults. Unfortunately, seniors are also at increased risk of falling in the first place: the CDC estimates that roughly 37 million senior falls and 3 million subsequent ER department visits occur every year!

Batavia Foot Care Center is here with expert guidance and at home tips to help you and yours remain on steady ground. Keep reading for useful info and simple steps toward better balance and stability throughout the season.

Common Fall Hazards

Knowing the risks makes all the difference to falls prevention, so this autumn, watch out for:

  • Slippery surfaces. Wet leaves, autumn debris, and uneven sidewalks can all contribute to falls. Adjust your pace and exercise caution, even on familiar paths.
  • Poor lighting. Inadequate lighting can make it difficult to see potential hazards, and decreased daylight only adds to the issue. Stick to well-lit areas and bring a flashlight, too.
  • Tripping hazards. The average home is full of these: loose rugs, cords, and clutter can all increase the risk of falls, so use that as an excuse to start spring cleaning a season early!

Prevention Tips

Now that you know the typical trips and stumbles this season tends to bring, you can take some proactive measures ahead of time, including:

  • Wearing appropriate footwear. Choose shoes with good traction and supportive soles.
  • Improving Your Balance. When possible, try to practice stability boosting stretching exercises at home.
  • Installing safety features. Try grab bars in the bathroom and handrails on stairs, both of which help to prevent falls.
  • Considering customized orthotics. A podiatrist can prescribe orthotics to address specific foot problems and improve balance.

Boost Your Balance With The Moore Balance Brace

One potential treatment option deserves special mention for its proven efficacy: the Moore Balance Brace! This specially designed ankle foot orthosis (AFO for short) fits easily into most shoes, and when it’s used for conditions relating to falls and associated risk factors, it’s covered by most insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid.

Since the MBB addresses the muscle weakness and gait issues that contribute to fall risk in the first place, it’s a popular option with seniors who wish to remain independent.

What to Do After a Fall

Falls are always serious, no matter the season.

If you or someone you know has experienced a fall, it’s important to seek medical attention. Even minor falls can lead to serious damage, including fractures and other enduring injuries. A medical professional should assess your condition and recommend appropriate treatment ASAP.

You can count on Batavia Foot Care Center to care for your feet using a full range of therapies and options. Our expert team, including podiatrists Dr. Dawn K. Dryden and Dr. Courtney M. Foote, serves patients of all ages in Batavia, New York, and treats a wide range of podiatric conditions. Contact our office to schedule an appointment today!