When it comes to falling, what you don’t know can seriously hurt you. At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we are recognizing Falls Prevention Awareness Week by helping our senior Middlesex County patients by debunking some common myths surrounding falls.

“It won’t happen to me.” One in four patients age 65 and older falls each year. Falls are the number one cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries. For those who recover, a fall may be the trigger for a move to a nursing home. It can also lead to debilitating fears that prevent people from living their best life and keeps them isolated.

“I will just stay home, and that will reduce my chances of falling.” Not so. Studies show that 50% of falls happen at home. But you can help change that by making some simple modifications. In the bathroom: add grab bars to the shower and around the toilet; non-slip strips in the tub. On the stairs: install a second handrail and increase lighting. Throughout the house: remove clutter on the floor, get rid of scatter rugs and cords that run across walking paths.

“My lifestyle is not connected to my fall risk.” There are several factors you control that can improve your chances of staying upright. Regular exercise, for example, improves flexibility and range of motion. Staying current with your eye exams to detect vision loss before it causes a fall and asking your pharmacist to monitor your medications to spot interactions that may cause dizziness are other ways to protect you from falling.

“I’ll wait a week or two and see if my foot pain goes away on its own.” Rarely does the foot (or other pain in your body) go away without treatment. Delaying getting discomfort in your feet or ankles evaluated increases your risk of falling. Don’t wait— make an appointment at our Cromwell office by calling: (860) 632-5499. Our podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas, will find the source of your foot pain and alleviate it before it results in a fall with potentially serious consequences.

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