The Ultimate Fall-Proof Checklist: 37 Ways to Prevent Tripping Injuries
Nobody wants to take a tumble, especially when you’re dealing with foot and ankle issues. It’s National Falls Prevention Month, so what better time for us at Desert Podiatric Medical Specialists to provide an ultimate list of ways to avoid tripping? We’ve broken our advice into 3 main categories: footwear, home, and body.
Your Footwear
- Choose low-heeled shoes: Ditch high heels for everyday wear.
- Replace worn-out shoes: If the tread is gone, so is your grip.
- Avoid walking in socks on hard floors: Instant slip-and-slide.
- Wear slippers with good soles: Not just flimsy, open-back ones.
- Tie shoelaces securely: Untied laces are a classic trip hazard.
- Don’t walk in stocking feet: Especially on polished or tiled floors.
- Consider shoe orthotics: For better stability if prescribed by your podiatrist.
- Use shoes with hook-and-loop fasteners: Easier than laces if bending is tough.
Your Home
- Clear clutter: Keep floors, stairs, and walkways free of anything you could trip over.
- Secure loose rugs: Use double-sided tape or non-slip backing.
- Use nightlights: For clear paths to the bathroom at night.
- Keep electrical cords tidy: Tape them down or run them along walls.
- Wipe up spills immediately: Can we get a wet floor sign over here?
- Avoid waxing floors excessively: Can make them too slippery.
- Use a non-slip mat in the shower/tub: Important for wet surfaces in general.
- Keep frequently used items within reach: No need for risky stretching.
- Ensure pets don’t become trip hazards: Create a safe den for them away from high-traffic areas.
- Be aware of uneven surfaces outdoors: Cracks in sidewalks, potholes.
Your Body
- Get regular eye exams: Good vision helps you spot hazards.
- Wear custom orthotics: If your podiatrist prescribed them for stability.
- Manage your medications: Discuss side effects like dizziness with your doctor.
- Stay hydrated: Dehydration can lead to dizziness.
- Exercise regularly: Focus on balance, strength, and flexibility.
- Practice balance exercises: Like standing on one foot (with supervision).
- Use assistive devices correctly: If you have a cane or walker, use it.
- Report foot pain: Don’t just live with it. It alters your gait over time.
- Check your feet daily: Especially if you have neuropathy, to catch issues early.
- Limit alcohol intake: Can impair balance and judgment.
- Stand up slowly: Avoid sudden head rushes.
- Wear a medical alert device: In case you do fall!
If you’re experiencing foot pain, discomfort, or changes in how you walk, come see the expert team at Desert Podiatric Medical Specialists. With locations in Tucson and Oro Valley areas of Pima County, Arizona, Bradley A. Whitaker, D.P.M., FACFAS, Peter C. Merrill, D.P.M., AACFAS, and Zeno Pfau, D.P.M., are here for you. Call us at (520) 575-0800 or contact us online!
