Early Signs of Falling - Balance, Vision, Strength, Medication Effects

Noticing Changes in Balance and Walking

One of the most common early signs of an impending fall is difficulty with balance and walking. As we age, our balance can become compromised for a variety of reasons. Loss of muscle strength, particularly in the legs, causes instability. Problems with vision or inner ear function can throw off balance as well. Many older adults also have chronic health conditions like arthritis or neuropathy that make walking more challenging.

You may notice an unsteadiness to your gait, veering sideways as you walk or needing to hold on to furniture or walls for support. Tripping and stumbling more easily are also common balance issues. Having a shuffling walk rather than picking up your feet properly can be a fall risk factor. Taking longer than usual to get up from a seated position is another indicator of decreased balance.

Pay attention to any new feelings of dizziness or vertigo, which are symptoms themselves but also increase your chances of falling. If walking feels more tiring than normal, or you can't walk as far as usual without needing to stop and rest, falls could be in your future.

Steps to Reduce Fall Risks

If you notice any balance or walking problems, talk to your doctor about likely causes and solutions. Physical therapy focused on improving strength, flexibility and balance is often recommended. Assistive devices like canes and walkers can provide extra support. Modifying your home environment by removing tripping hazards, installing grab bars and improving lighting also helps.

Increased Fatigue and Weakness

Feeling weaker in your muscles or excessively tired are two other possible tip-offs that you may be prone to falling. Loss of muscle mass is common as we get older, known as sarcopenia. Having less strength and stamina increases the chances of a fall.

Normal daily activities like climbing stairs, getting up from chairs or carring groceries may become noticeably more challenging. You may find yourself needing to take more rests or limit activities due to fatigue. Weak grip strength can also indicate you're more fall prone.

Besides aging, other common causes of weakness and fatigue include lack of physical activity, poor nutrition, sleep problems, depression and side effects of medications. Arthritis, heart disease and lung disease can also leave you feeling profoundly tired.

Improving Strength to Avoid Falls

Consult your physician if new fatigue or weakness is making daily life difficult. Reversible causes like vitamin deficiencies, sleep apnea or hypothyroidism can be treated. Exercise programs focusing on strength and balance, physical therapy and nutritional counseling can all help improve energy levels and reduce fall risks.

Problems with Vision

Vision is crucially important for maintaining balance and navigating your environment safely. Not being able to see well places you at much higher risk for falls. Blurry vision, reduced peripheral vision and sensitivity to glare are common age-related vision changes.

Ill-fitting eyeglasses that cause distortion can also throw off balance and increase fall risks. Eye diseases like macular degeneration, glaucoma or cataracts disrupt vision and depth perception. Vitamin deficiencies or certain medications can impact vision too.

Notice if you're having trouble reading signs, seeing objects clearly, walking safely in dim lighting or judging distances accurately, like missing a step or tripping on curbs. Vision problems may cause you to feel unsure of your footing, hesitate more when walking or need to hold on to walls or railings.

Seeing Your Eye Doctor Regularly

Schedule an eye exam if you have any new concerns about your vision, so correctable issues like outdated prescriptions can be addressed. Have your eyes checked at least yearly over age 50. Treatment for eye diseases can often improve sight. Improve lighting at home and use glasses, sunglasses or a hat outdoors to reduce glare.

Foot Pain, Changes in Footwear

Sore or painful feet can throw off your balance and gait, making falls more likely. Foot issues like arthritis, tendonitis, plantar fasciitis and neuromas often worsen with age. Numbness or tingling in the feet from neuropathy or diabetes reduces stability too.

Notice any new limping or changes in your walking pace. Foot pain, corns, calluses, swelling or deformities like bunions or hammertoes all affect mobility. Ill-fitting or worn out shoes, or wearing flip-flops or slippers can also lead to trips and falls.

Proper Foot Care and Shoes

See a podiatrist about persistent foot pain, changes or deformities, so issues can be diagnosed and treated. Wear properly fitted, supportive shoes with non-slip soles both inside and outside the home. Have foot pain or neuropathy treated. Do exercises to strengthen feet and ankles. Keep toenails trimmed straight across to prevent ingrown nails.

Medication Side Effects

Many common medications can sometimes cause side effects like dizziness, fatigue, blurred vision, confusion or unsteadiness. These include blood pressure medications, diuretics, heart drugs, tranquilizers, sleeping pills and certain antihistamines and antidepressants. Even over-the-counter cold medicines and sinus pills have side effects.

Pay attention to any new symptoms you experience after starting a new medication or dosage change. Read the package insert and talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Note if certain side effects seem to be worse at peak times after taking your medications.

Avoiding Drug-Related Fall Risks

Don't stop or change dosages of prescribed medications without your doctor's approval. Take medications only as directed. Use aids like pill organizers and alarms to prevent missed or extra doses. Have vision and hearing checked yearly to reduce issues from these drug effects. Learn and use fall prevention strategies diligently.

Problems with Daily Activities

Difficulty performing your regular daily self-care, household and social activities can indicate increased fall risk. Bathing, dressing, grooming, cooking and cleaning may become more challenging and take longer.

You may notice needing to use furniture, counters or walls for support more frequently. Other daily tasks like shopping, driving and managing finances could be harder too. Ideally, have someone observe you periodically completing your routine activities.

Modifying Activities to Stay Safe

Work with your doctor or an occupational therapist to identify problem areas. Receive training on adaptive devices, safety techniques, energy conservation tips and home modifications to make activities easier and safer. Setting up personal systems can help too, like pre-planning meals or decluttering.

Urinary Incontinence

Loss of bladder control leading to urinary incontinence is another potential early sign of fall risk. The urgent need to get to the bathroom quickly can lead to hurry and disregard for safety. Nighttime bathroom visits in the dark are especially perilous.

Urinary leakage or dribbling can also cause slips on wet, slippery floors. People may limit fluid intake due to incontinence, which leads to dehydration and dizziness. Trying to get to the bathroom in time can result in rushing and losing balance.

Treating Incontinence to Prevent Falls

See your doctor about medications, physical therapy and assistive devices to treat incontinence. Place non-slip mats or strips in bathrooms and on floors that may get wet. Use a nightlight and keep a clear path between bedroom and bathroom. Do exercises to strengthen pelvic floor muscles. Drink adequate fluids and avoid caffeine and alcohol.

Confusion, Worsening Memory

New confusion or difficulty concentrating can lead to unsafe decisions and actions that result in falls. A failing memory and forgetfulness about limitations is also dangerous. Forgetting to use a cane or walker when needed or being unsure of how to use devices leads to risk.

People may try to take on formerly easy tasks that are now too challenging like standing on step stools, reaching high shelves, walking up steps without a rail or using power tools. Mixing up medications or taking the wrong dose is more likely too.

Adapting Environments for Safety

Remove tripping hazards and install grab bars, railings and good lighting to minimize reliance on mental function. Simplify routines and leave reminder notes. Have someone check on you daily if you live alone. Control access to car keys, tools, ladders or other unsafe items when judgment falters. See your doctor about possible dementia testing.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.