Every 11 seconds, an older adult goes to the emergency room for fall-related injuries, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Falls often result in serious consequences, including traumatic brain injuries and broken bones. During September, Falls Prevention Awareness Month, we want seniors and their loved ones to be aware of the risks and take steps to minimize them.

1. Come into Montgomery Foot Care Specialists for a fall risk assessment. This is especially important if you’ve got existing foot issues. At a fall risk assessment, expert podiatrists Dr. Heidi M. Christie and Dr. Chanda L. Day-Houts will examine your feet for problems that may be increasing your risk of falling. Arthritis, flat feet, and nerve damage are examples of foot issues that can negatively affect your balance and cause you to fall. Our fall risk assessment also offers you personalized suggestions to make yourself and your home safer.
2. Perform strength and balance exercises faithfully. Lifting light weights and doing yoga or Tai-chi are examples of exercises that strengthen muscles and improve your balance.
3. Get your eyes checked. Visit your eye doctor at least once a year for a checkup. If your vision is poor, you may trip over an object that you don’t see.
4. Survey your home. Look around and eliminate obstacles like loose area rugs, electrical cords crossing your path, and piles of clutter. Add lamps or overhead lights to dark areas; swap dim bulbs with brighter ones.
5. Replace old shoes. Worn-out soles can make you slip and fall. Old shoes that no longer provide adequate support can make you lose your balance.
6. Wear the Moore Balance Brace. The Moore Balance Brace is a special kind of orthotic shoe insert that we offer here at our Montgomery County podiatry office. It’s designed specifically for older adults who are unsteady on their feet; it’s clinically proven to improve stability; it’s also lightweight, durable, and easy to insert into your shoes.

Dr. Christie and Dr. Day-Houts take your risk of falling seriously. We encourage you to do the same by implementing the six steps above. Begin with a full foot exam and fall risk assessment at our office in Montgomery, Alabama. Call us at (334) 396-3668 or make an appointment online.