By Ebaad Malick, MD
As we get older we are faced with new experiences but also new challenges. One of these challenges is sometimes related to our balance on our feet. Depending on our activity levels and our strength, sometimes we may feel uneasy on our feet when we are getting up from a sitting or lying position. We may also feel uneasy on our feet when we are walking, trying to exercise, or after we take certain types of medication. If you suffer from arthritis or other chronic disease you may also be at risk of feeling weak or uneasy on your feet. This is why it is important to speak with your doctor about the medications you take. Your doctor may say you can stop taking a certain medication. Your doctor may also adjust the dose of your medication to prevent falls. If you are taking more than 5 medications you are at risk of something we call “polypharmacy,” which can lead to side effects or bad interactions between your medications. Falls in the elderly can be especially troubling because outside of just pain, they can lead to fractures that can severely disinhibit or limit your life.
Primary care doctors can perform a fall risk screening if you are old enough to see the risk of you having a fall. Sometimes, to help people prevent a fall we use canes or walkers. Physical therapy and/or self guided exercise can also help strengthen your muscles and improve your coordination so that you can prevent a fall. Another type of test that may be indicated depending on your symptoms and medical history is a DEXA bone scan. A DEXA bone scan can show if your bones are at risk of fracture or brittle. DEXA bone scans use Xrays of different parts of your body to analyze how strong your bones are. Those with brittle bones may fracture a bone from a fall that isn’t necessarily even that severe.
In order to live a healthy and active life you need to be able to move as freely as possibe. However, you need to do this carefully and safely. If you are older, suffer from chronic disease, or have felt uneasy on your feet you should make an appointment with your doctor. You and your doctor can discuss the medications you’re taking, see if you qualify for a fall risk assessment, and other preventive measures that you can take.
More of this can be explained by your doctor but the first step is making that appointment. Consider reaching out to your doctor’s office to see if you’ve had these screenings done and if you can do anything else to put you in the best position to lead a healthy active life and prevent a fall.
Author: Amaury Abreu
