The summer is almost over. On September 22nd, Fall begins. It is also the day we celebrate Falls Prevention Awareness Day. With so many serious injuries due to falls, this is an excellent time to look at ways to minimize the chances of experiencing a bad fall. Vital to this is foot health. Follow these tips to make sure your fall is a safe one.

FALLS AND FOOT HEALTH

Often a bad fall can be caused by foot-related issues, such as the following:

• Foot pain.
• Poor range of motion in the ankle.
• Poor circulation.
• Ill-fitting shoes.

PREVENTING FALLS

Numerous serious foot and ankle injuries can occur with a bad fall. Fortunately, there are simple things you can do to minimize the chances of taking a fall, or, if you do fall, at least minimize the harm you suffer from it. Try these tips:

• Wear proper-fitting footwear. When hiking, wear boots or hiking shoes. During exercise or sports, shoes that fit and have proper support.
• Protect exposed or weak ankles with ankle braces or supports.
• Protect foot and ankle muscles by stretching before any strenuous exercise.
• Avoid walking barefoot on concrete or rough terrain.
• Use a nightlight when using the bathroom at night. Often people will trip and take a fall when trying to get to the bathroom in the dark.
• Maintain good circulation in your feet by massaging them regularly.
• During winter, wear boots with a good grip.
• Avoid shoes with narrow or high heels.

Various conditions might affect your mobility or balance, such as bunions, corns, or calluses. It’s best to contact an experienced podiatrist who can look and assess the proper treatment.

For more tips or experiencing any foot-related issue, call Syracuse Podiatry, located in East Syracuse, New York. Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico, Dr. Donal M. Erickson, and their staff will help you diagnose and treat your foot or ankle condition. Call 315-446-3668 or make an appointment online today.