Four common risk factors for falls

Falling down is something that nobody loves, but most people are all too familiar with it. Tripping over a loose rug. Skidding on some ice in the winter. These are just some of the factors that have likely led to falls in your life. 

Unfortunately, the risk factors for falls tend to increase as people age. Medical researchers report that more than 800,000 older Americans are hospitalized every year with a fall-related injury. Medical professionals, like physical therapists, can help you learn some of the common risk factors for falls. Physical therapists can even help treat balance and gait problems that can lead to falls. 

These are some of the most common risk factors for falls

Tripping over objects is a common cause of falls, but older Americans may also have to deal with other risk factors for falls, too. Some of these risk factors include: 

1. Inner ear problems — Many people develop hearing loss and other ear issues as they age. One of the issues that can lead to more falls is inner ear problems, such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). A medical expert reports that about 50% of the dizziness that people 80 and older experience is due to BPPV. Increasing episodes of dizziness tend to lead to more falls. 

2. Taking medications — It’s no secret that most older Americans are taking multiple prescription and over-the-counter medications. One survey found that more than 50% of Americans over the age of 50 take four or more prescribed meds. Some medications can cause dizziness as a side effect, which can make falls more likely. Also, taking medications improperly can also trigger dizziness and falls. 

3. Arthritis — It’s estimated that more than 54 million U.S. adults have doctor-diagnosed arthritis. This condition tends to affect people more as they get older. Arthritis can cause joint pain and stiffness that leads to instability when walking. In turn, this instability can lead to a higher fall risk. 

4. The shoes you wear — Your feet carry you everywhere, and wearing shoes is meant to help you walk and do other physical activities. However, wearing worn-out or improperly fitting shoes can cause problems. One of these problems is decreasing your stability as you move. Worn-out shoes can also catch on objects around you and act as tripping hazards. Both of these issues can make you more likely to lose your balance and fall. 

Back in Motion can help you address and avoid many risk factors for falls

Finding ways to avoid risk factors for falls is a key step in decreasing your fall risk. Our team at Back in Motion Physical Therapy can help you take effective steps to reduce your risk of falls. We can perform a free screening for you that can pinpoint issues you have that make you more likely to fall. 

Furthermore, our specialists can build you a fully customized therapy plan designed to: 

• Address gait issues.
• Treat balance issues, like BPPV.
• Improve your stability. 
• Decrease your risk of falling.

We can even use a virtual therapy or at-home care session to help you work on your balance right in your own home. 

Contact us today for more information about how we can help you address balance problems or to schedule your initial appointment.