It’s hard to deny the beauty of a white winter. But for many people, these festive months can bring fear along with the fresh frost. According to the CDC, falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths among adults 65 and over in the United States.
General risk factors for falls include:
- Increased age, which is associated with decreased reaction time
- Vision impairments, such as glaucoma and cataracts
- Cognitive disorders, including dementia and memory loss
- Medical conditions ranging from diabetes and vascular disease to vertigo and incontinence
- Deconditioning from a sedentary lifestyle
- Taking more than four medications
- Fear of falling, leading to limited physical and social activity
- History of falling
And it’s no surprise that fall risk increases with icy conditions. BUT the good news is most falls are preventable! Here are some tips to keep you safe during the snowy seasons:
- Consider your shoe wear. Choose shoes with good traction and non-slip soles when stepping out of the house.
- Bring traction with you. Sprinkling a small bag of sand or cat litter in front of you as you walk is an easy and economical way to add some grip to slippery sidewalks.
- Equip your assistive devices. Ice tip spikes can be purchased for canes to provide better stability on slick ground. Snow shoe grips can also be helpful when walking with or without a device, even if it is just to your mailbox.
- Walk like a penguin! Take small, slow, waddling steps to keep your center of gravity.
- Plan for success. Provide ample time for yourself to make it to your destination without rushing and possibly slipping in the process.
How can Physical Therapy Help?
Working with a skilled physical therapist is a great way to reduce your fall risk year-round. A physical therapist can assess your personal fall risk and create a customized treatment plan to address the balance, strength, endurance, coordination, and agility limitations you may have. A physical therapist can also educate you on the proper use of assistive devices, and go over safe ways for getting in out of chairs and cars, using stairs, and navigating your home and the community. Sometimes, falls do occur, and a physical therapist can instruct you on the “right” way to fall and strategies for getting up off the ground. Fear not, because Excel PT is here to help. Treat yourself to some peace of mind this holiday and schedule an appointment with a PT near you.
Schedule with Isabella by requesting an appointment here.
Meet the Expert
Isabella Flores, PT, DPT
Wall Physical Therapist
Isabella Flores is a proud alumnus of Rutgers University where she earned both her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. She has experience treating many common orthopedic conditions. Learn more about Isabelle here.
References
“About Older Adult Fall Prevention.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov/falls/about/?CDC_AAref_Val=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Finjury%2Ffeatures%2Folder-adult-falls%2Findex.html. Accessed 8 Dec. 2024.
Appeadu, Michael K., and Bruno Bordoni. “Falls and Fall Prevention in Older Adults.” StatPearls [Internet]., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 4 June 2023, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560761/.
Brittni Lair, P.A.-C. “How to Avoid Winter Slips and Falls.” Mayo Clinic Health System, Mayo Clinic Health System, 26 Apr. 2023, www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/winter-weather-are-falls-and-slips-avoidable.
Winterize to Prevent Falls, www.ncoa.org/article/winterize-to-prevent-falls/. Accessed 8 Dec. 2024.
The medical information contained herein is provided as an information resource only, and does not substitute professional medical advice or consultation with healthcare professionals. This information is not intended to be patient education, does not create any patient-provider relationship, and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment or medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. If you think you have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. IvyRehab Network, Inc. disclaims any and all responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained herein.