Our Favorite Fall Prevention Hacks

In a matter of seconds, your whole life can change. Whether you trip over a rug corner, slip off a ladder, or otherwise fall, the accident can leave you with a serious injury.

While we do treat orthopaedic trauma, Karl Siebuhr, MD, and our team would much rather help you avoid this issue in the first place. You can always visit us at Reconstructive Orthopaedics of Central Florida in Ocala, Florida, if you need care after a fall. But taking steps now can help you avoid this problem.

Here are our top fall prevention hacks. 

#1: Make changes at home

Strategic steps can help you avoid issues where you spend the most time. That includes:

• Clearing walkways of boxes, plants, cords, or anything else you could trip on
• Using tape or rug pads to prevent rugs from moving and keep corners down
• Having towels handy to quickly clean spills
• Adding non-slip mats to showers and bathtubs
• Moving things you use regularly to shelves you can easily reach
• Making sure you have sufficient light in each room

If you add lamps to a room to boost its brightness, consider where you place the cords to ensure they don’t cross any walkways. 

For more guidance on fall-proofing your home, we recommend this room-by-room guide from the National Institute on Aging. 

#2: Take steps to maintain your strength and balance

To protect your ability to stay mobile, it’s important to get moving on a regular basis. Physical activity, like walking, helps you maintain the strength you need to prevent falls. 

If you notice that you’re losing your sense of balance, take steps to restore it. That could mean a weekly yoga or tai chi class or balance exercises that you do at home. In addition to boosting your balance, these can help you get stronger and more coordinated, lowering your fall risk. Plus, these skills can help you catch yourself if you do fall, reducing the likelihood of serious injury. 

#3: Be smart with your shoes

Opt for stable, sturdy shoes that feel secure on your feet. You don’t want to slip out of them or feel like you need to focus on staying upright. High heels and flip-flops can make you more likely to lose your balance, for example. 

If you’re not sure about what footwear is right for your feet, don’t hesitate to ask our team for recommendations. 

Safety measures at home, regular physical activity, and good footwear all help to reduce your likelihood of a fall. All of this said, accidents happen. 

If you do happen to fall, don’t hesitate to visit our team for the care you need. As a specialist in orthopaedic trauma, Dr. Siebuhr can evaluate your injury and tailor treatment to help you recover. Whenever you need support in getting back on your feet after a fall, you can call our office or request an appointment online.