Allergy Season Is Upon Us! What can you do about it?
By Dr. Katrina Banks, PT DPT – Board Certified Neurologic Specialist
Falling can be a frightening experience, and it’s more common than you might think. One in four adults experiences a fall, leading to 3 million older adults seeking emergency room treatment. Shockingly, 800,000 individuals end up hospitalized due to falls resulting in hip fractures or head injuries.
Let’s delve into some of the key risk factors associated with falling and how to mitigate them:
Vestibular Disorder/Poor Balance:
If you suffer from a vestibular disorder or poor balance, you are at a high risk of falling. Vestibular disorders, often linked to inner ear issues, can cause dizziness, nausea, and imbalance, especially when changing positions.
Medications Cause Falls:
Certain medications can lead to falls by causing dizziness or lowering blood pressure. Muscle relaxants, drugs affecting blood pressure, opioids, antidepressants, and sedatives, among others, are identified by the CDC as potential contributors. It’s crucial to review all prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal supplements with your doctor to avoid contraindications.
Vitamin D Deficiency:
African American adults are prone to low vitamin D levels, increasing the risk of fractures and falls. Regularly checking vitamin D levels with your primary care provider is essential for maintaining bone density.
Postural Hypotension:
Postural hypotension, also known as orthostatic hypotension, occurs when blood pressure changes with position shifts. A drop in blood pressure when standing can lead to reduced blood flow and an increased risk of falls. Taking your time when transitioning from lying down or sitting to standing is crucial to avoid dizziness.
Visual Impairment:
Those with partial or complete blindness face a higher risk of falling, as the visual system plays a crucial role in maintaining balance. Individuals with visual impairment rely more on their balance and sensory system to navigate their surroundings.
Foot and Ankle Disorders:
The health of your feet and ankles is vital for maintaining balance. Recent injuries, bunions, toe amputations, or muscle weakness like foot drop can significantly increase the likelihood of a fall.
For those experiencing repeated falls, recent falls, or poor balance, seeking the expertise of a local physical therapist is highly recommended. Physical therapists conduct thorough evaluations, assessing muscular strength, seated and standing balance, and walking abilities. They review medication lists, create personalized fall prevention programs, and incorporate exercises and balance training to enhance overall stability.
Don’t let the fear of falling limit your daily activities. Taking proactive steps to address these risk factors can significantly improve your safety and well-being.
Dr. Katrina Banks, PT DPT, CCI, CSRS, LSVT-BIG, NCS, is a Board Certified Neurologic Specialist
