Taking the Next Step for Fall Prevention

Key Takeaways: Millions of adults fall every year, often suffering serious injuries. While these falls aren’t always avoidable, there are several ways to reduce their likelihood. Learn the causes, common injuries, and best preventative practices below.

In honor of September marking Fall Prevention Awareness Month, our team at Orthopedic ONE is taking the next step to educate our patients about the common causes and injuries related to falls, as well as the most effective prevention methods.

What Are Potential Causes of Falls?

While falls are often blamed on little missteps or general clumsiness, there are several common causes.

To begin, patients 65 and older may be more susceptible to falls due to decreased activity, reduced balance, and changes in bone density. “Falling doesn’t only affect older patients, though,” notes Dr. Kevin Smidt, a fellowship-trained total joint surgeon here at Orthopedic ONE. “Younger patients may be more likely to fall when they are rushing, carrying something heavy, or taking medications that cause side effects such as dizziness or vision impairment.”

Regardless of age, “most falls happen in the last ten feet of a trip,” adds Dr. Smidt, “making those ordinary transition zones, like walking to or from your car, the most dangerous.” Similarly, unexpected hazards in the home, such as excessive clutter, loose cords, and even poor lighting, can increase your risk of falling. 

Diane Fleming, PT, DPT, GCS, one of our experienced physical therapists, recalls some of the more prevalent, but lesser-known, causes: “Wearing bifocals can distort your perception of the ground, while peripheral neuropathy, brought on by a history of cancer or diabetes, can cause numbness in the toes or feet.” While these factors may not always be avoidable, understanding how they can affect balance and perception can help patients take extra precautions to reduce their risk of falling.

Common Injuries of Falls

According to the CDC, millions of adults ages 65 and older fall every year, but less than half tell their doctor or seek medical care. While falls aren’t entirely uncommon, the injuries they cause can be severe.

“The most common fall-related injury is a wrist fracture, although hip fractures come in a close second,” explains Fleming. In fact, medical experts have even coined the phrase FOOSH (Fall Onto Outstretched Hand) as a response to how frequently patients do just that, fracturing their wrist in the process.

Other common injuries include spine, ankle, and shoulder fractures, all of which can lead to lengthy recovery times impacting your daily life and, in some cases, even requiring surgery. “I often say, recovery from fractures is measured in months, not weeks,” notes Dr. Smidt, and he encourages patients to get their injuries checked as soon as possible.

After a fall, take a moment to stay seated or lie down and give yourself a quick self-evaluation. Trying to stand up right away or getting pulled up by a bystander may exacerbate any injuries. Instead, move each part of your body and check for pain before slowly rolling onto your side and standing up.

Even if your injury doesn’t seem serious, it can be a sign of something more to come because falling once doubles your chances of falling again. “If you’ve had a fracture over the age of 50 or are currently 65 or older, get a bone scan and look at your bone quality,” advises Dr. Smidt. Knowing your body can help you and your doctor develop a plan and reduce your risk of falling in the future.

How to Protect Yourself from Falling

When someone falls and lands on their wrist, it’s often because they were unable to brace themselves. However, this ability can be regained through strength training, coordination exercises, and balance practice, largely referred to as physical therapy.

“A lot of my patients go for walks every day, and that’s great, but unfortunately, it’s not enough to build strength,” Dr. Smidt explains. Starting physical therapy, completing at-home movements, and staying on an exercise program can make the biggest impact.

Fleming adds that “a lot goes into your balance beyond the musculoskeletal system. In fact, balance largely relies on the functioning of your inner ear, joint position awareness, and vision.” These can be targeted and further developed by performing simple exercises, like these, two to three times per week:

• Sit to stands
• Wall push-ups
• Lunges
• Standing on one foot

Patients who have been exercising and have sufficient strength may still fall, but they’re far more likely to catch themselves on their feet and avoid fractures or other injuries. “At Orthopedic ONE, our physical therapists are here not only for patients who have suffered a fall, but also for those who are just worried about falling,” notes Fleming. Our team can help you develop a plan for your balance goals and even connect you with community health and wellness programs as you progress.

“Having a collaborative approach is essential. Whether it’s an orthopedic or neurological concern, our team at Orthopedic ONE will work with you, and together, to provide only the best results.”

Additional Fall-Prevention Methods

Beyond physical therapy and other exercises, there are several ways to mitigate the risk of falling.

Removing rugs, clutter, and cords from the home, while adding grab bars to the showers, can all make an immediate difference. Additionally, wearing supportive shoes with good soles and a quality tread can help prevent any slips.

Reviewing your medications, being cognizant of any side effects, and getting your vision examined regularly can also go a long way toward preventing falls. Lastly, using a cane can provide additional walking support and help improve balance.

In addition to these methods, our team at Orthopedic ONE proudly offers several fall-prevention resources, from home safety tips to important caregiver conversations. Visit our website to learn more.

Moving Forward with Confidence

“One of my patients,” remembers Fleming, “had fallen several times in a short period, breaking her nose and tearing her rotator cuff in the process. After undergoing surgery, she continued having balance and coordination issues. Our team provided a full balance assessment, changed her glasses, and developed an in-depth exercise plan for her. Soon after, she was able to celebrate at her son’s outdoor wedding with no trouble walking at all.”

Helping our patients not only treat their injuries, but also regain their quality of life to enjoy these important moments is just ONE of the reasons our staff remains so dedicated. Dr. Smidt adds to this sentiment: “We treat everyone, from our staff to our patients, like family, and our team here, including the physicians and physical therapists, will always take the time to ensure that our patients are taken care of by the right person at the right time.”

Falling, and its aftermath, can be scary. Just remember, our team at Orthopedic ONE is here to help you get back on your feet and regain the best possible quality of life.