During May, we at Feet First Foot Care Specialists celebrate Older Americans Month. We are pleased to offer excellent foot care to Middlesex County patients of all ages. One issue that is of particular importance to our senior patients is preventing falls. It’s estimated one in four Americans over the age of 65 falls each year. Falls can have devastating consequences that extend way beyond the injury itself. Studies show patients who suffer a fall may lose confidence about going out and participating in activities they previously enjoyed out of fear of falling again. It can lead to isolation and a loss of independence.

Fortunately, there are many steps you can take to decrease your risk of falling.
Here are five steps to consider:

  1. Stay Ahead of Foot Pain—believe it or not, one of the most frequent causes of falls is foot problems. When your feet hurt, you tend to change the way you walk to prevent the pain. It, in turn, can throw you off balance and cause a fall. Treat foot pain promptly! Contact our Cromwell office by calling 860-632-5499 and arrange an appointment with our podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas, to diagnose and treat any podiatric problems you may be experiencing.
  2. Get Rid of Worn-Out Shoes—another hazard that leads to trips and falls is wearing shoes with holes, stretched-out heels, and worn treads. When buying new shoes, get your feet professionally measured and try on both shoes to make sure they fit comfortably.
  3. Safeguard Your Home—more than half of all falls happen at home. There are several measures you can take to decrease fall risk at home, including:
    • Remove torn or frayed carpeting, throw rugs and mats.
    • Add extra lighting to entrances, hallways, and staircases. Be sure you have a well-lit path to the bathroom at night.
    • Put anti-slip strips on the floor of your tub or shower. Install grab bars around the toilet.
    • Rearrange shelves and cabinets so frequently used items are within easy reach.
  4. Periodically Review Medications—ask your doctor or pharmacist to look at all the medications and supplements you currently take to ensure there are no interactions that could cause dizziness, fainting, or lightheadedness.
  5. Stay on Schedule with Eye and Ear Exams—decreases in vision or hearing increase your fall risk. Annual checkups for your eyes and ears will detect loss of vision or hearing promptly.

If you have questions about how to care for your feet as you age, please contact us by calling 860-632-5499.

Questions or Comments?

We encourage you to contact us whenever you have an interest or concern about our services.

Call Today (860) 632-5499

162 West St Ste K Cromwell, CT 06416