Fall-Proof Your Life

At Pasco-Hernando Foot & Ankle, we know that if you ask our senior patients about their biggest fears, falling is always near the top of the list—and with good reason. Falls are the number one cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries among patients 65 and older. However, there are many ways you can lower your fall risk. Be proactive and make changes now in the following areas:

Your Health

• Don’t ignore foot pain. It’s one of the most common reasons for a fall. Get any new or worsening foot or ankle symptoms treated by our podiatrist, Dr. Lawrence J. Kales, as soon as possible. Contact our Spring Hill (352 683-5799) or Hudson (727-868-2128) office for an appointment.

• Stay current with eye exams.

• If you have diabetes, follow your doctor’s instructions for keeping blood sugar levels steady.

• Ask your pharmacist to evaluate your complete list of medications to make sure there are no drug interactions that could make you feel dizzy or faint.

Your Shoes

• Periodically examine all your shoes and discard any that have holes or tears in the material, are stretched out, or are showing other signs of wear.

• Keep heel height low and wide.

• Choose shoes that have non-slip treads.

Your Home

• Get rid of all throw rugs and make sure wall-to-wall carpeting is securely tacked down.

• Add additional lighting inside and outside your home, particularly on stairs and in halls. Be sure the path to the bathroom is illuminated with a nightlight

• Put grab bars in your shower, tub, and around the toilet.

• Apply non-stick strips to the bottom of the shower/tub.

• Don’t pile magazines, books, mail, or other items on the floor.

Your Habits

• Leave ample time to make appointments so you’re not rushing.

• Stay active! Exercise regularly. Focus on activities that increase strength, flexibility and balance.

• Maintain a healthy weight.

• Don’t drink alcohol in excess.

Preventing falls is just one aspect of senior foot care that we can help you with. To learn more, contact us.