Fall Prevention: Tips to Help You Stay on Your Feet

Falls can happen to anyone, but many falls can be prevented with awareness, preparation and support from a primary care provider. During Fall Prevention Awareness Week (September 21-25), Leah Blakeman, APRN, with Ascension Medical Group Wisconsin - Sussex, shares practical guidance to help patients reduce their risk before a fall occurs.

A fall can lead to serious injuries that affect a person’s ability to care for themselves or remain safely in their home. Starting the conversation before a fall happens gives patients and their care teams an opportunity to identify risks and make changes early.

What can increase fall risk?

In addition to aging, Blakeman points out that several health conditions and daily habits may contribute to falls, including:

• Neurological or cognitive disorders
• Sensory or musculoskeletal impairments
• Urinary incontinence or urgency
• A sedentary lifestyle, which can lead to deconditioning and weakness
• Alcohol consumption
• Wearing inappropriate footwear
• Hurrying or multitasking while walking

“Medications can also play a role,” Blakeman noted. “Drugs that affect the nervous system, including opioids, muscle relaxers and sleeping medications may increase fall risk.” Medications that lower blood pressure or blood sugar can also contribute. Patients should talk with their primary care provider before making any changes to their medications.

How fall injuries affect the body

Falls can affect nearly every part of the body and may result in serious injuries, including head trauma, concussion, broken bones, lacerations, and sprains or strains. A fall can also cause bruising, joint pain, muscle weakness or back injuries. 

Even a fall injury that initially seems minor can make it more difficult to move safely. Pain, stiffness or fear of falling again may cause a person to change the way they walk, avoid physical activity or become increasingly unstable. If you or a loved one have fallen, talk with a primary care provider about the injury and steps to help prevent future falls.

How primary care providers assess fall risk

Blakeman made clear that patients should schedule an appointment with a primary care provider “anytime they have concerns about falling,” especially if they have noticed “dizziness, weakness or feeling unsteady.”

A fall-risk assessment often begins with a simple question: Have you fallen recently? If the answer is yes, a primary care provider may ask what happened. Did the patient feel dizzy? Trip over something? Lose their balance? Understanding the circumstances can help identify ways to prevent a similar fall in the future.

“If a patient has difficulty getting up on the exam table or I observe their gait seems unstable, those are some indicators for concern,” Blakeman pointed out.

Practical steps to practice fall prevention

Blakeman outlined some small changes at home and in daily routines that can make a meaningful difference when it comes to fall prevention. Including:

• Keeping walkways and living areas free of clutter.
• Making sure rooms, stairs and walkways have good lighting.
• Wearing supportive shoes.
• Sitting before standing.
• Remaining still for several seconds before walking to make sure you are not dizzy.
• Avoiding hurrying or multitasking while walking.

Family members and caregivers can help by identifying hazards and supporting safe routines.

When to schedule an appointment

Patients do not need to wait until they have fallen to discuss prevention. Schedule an appointment if you are concerned about falling or have symptoms such as dizziness, weakness or unsteadiness. “A primary care provider can educate the patient on things that they can do at home to help reduce the risk, but also can help with referrals to home health or physical therapy,” explained Blakeman.

Fall prevention is a team effort. By bringing concerns to a primary care provider early, patients can create a personalized plan to help them stay safer, more independent and active.

Have more questions about fall prevention? Find primary care in Wisconsin.

Connect with Leah M. Blakeman, APRN, MSN, APRN.

This blog is intended for general informational use. Any health-related information shared is not meant to provide or replace professional medical advice and does not establish a patient-provider relationship.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.