Falls are one of the most common reasons older adults visit the doctor. Many people feel unsteady or worry about falling as they age—and that fear is real. But here is the good news: most falls can be prevented. At SportOrtho, we help adults stay strong, steady, and confident through conservative orthopedic care and physical therapy.
In this guide, we’ll break down the everyday habits that raise your fall risk without you realizing it—and how small changes can keep you safe.
Why Fall Risk Matters
Falls are the leading cause of injury in adults over 65. They can cause broken bones, head injuries, and a loss of independence. Even if the fall doesn’t cause injury, the fear of falling often causes people to stop moving as much.
But here’s the truth: falling is not a normal part of aging. Your body can stay strong and balanced with the right support.
Everyday Habits That Increase Your Risk of Falls
These common habits may feel harmless, but they quietly increase your fall risk.
- Sitting Too Much
Long periods of sitting weaken the leg and core muscles that help you stay steady. Weak muscles make it harder to catch yourself if you trip or lose your balance.
Physical therapy focuses on simple strengthening exercises that help your muscles support you better.
- Rushing Through the House
Moving too fast increases your chance of tripping—especially if you have:
- Clutter on the floor
- Poor lighting
- Throw rugs
- Pets under your feet
Slowing down and keeping your home clear can help you stay safe.
- Wearing the Wrong Shoes
Shoes that slip off easily or have smooth bottoms can make you lose balance. Common risky choices include:
- Slippers
- Flip flops
- Socks on hardwood or tile floors
Choose shoes that fit well, have a closed back, and offer solid grip.
- Not Drinking Enough Water
Even mild dehydration can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded. Dizziness is one of the biggest hidden causes of falls.
Make sure to drink water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
- Avoiding Movement Because You’re Afraid of Falling
Many people move less because they don’t want to fall. But being less active leads to weaker muscles—and that actually increases fall risk.
The cycle looks like this: Fear → Less movement → Weakness → Higher fall risk
Physical therapy helps break this cycle by building strength and confidence.
- Ignoring Balance Problems
Balance changes can be subtle. You may notice:
- Feeling “off” when you turn your head
- Feeling unsteady when you first stand up
- Needing to touch the wall or furniture
These can be early signs of vestibular changes. The vestibular system is the part of your inner ear that helps you stay balanced. When it doesn’t work well, you may feel dizzy or off balance.
Physical therapists trained in vestibular therapy can help treat these symptoms.
- Poor Lighting or Clutter at Home
Simple home setups can increase your fall risk, such as:
- Dim hallways
- Stairs without handrails
- Cords near walkways
- Low furniture
A quick home safety check can help prevent many household falls.
How Physical Therapy and Conservative Care Reduce Fall Risk
At SportOrtho, we focus on non-surgical treatments to keep your body strong and steady. Here’s how physical therapy helps reduce fall risk.
- Strength Training
Your therapist will guide you through safe, gentle exercises to build muscle in your:
- Legs
- Hips
- Core
These muscles help you stand, walk, and stay balanced.
- Balance and Walking (Gait) Training
Physical therapists help you practice:
- Standing on uneven surfaces
- Changing directions safely
- Improving walking patterns
- Training your body to react faster
These skills reduce the chance of losing balance.
- Vestibular Therapy
If you feel dizzy, unsteady, or have vertigo, vestibular therapy helps retrain your inner ear and brain to improve balance.
- Mobility and Home Safety Education
Your therapist can teach you how to move safely during everyday activities like getting out of bed, walking around corners, or stepping over objects. They can also suggest small changes to make your home safer.
Why Choose SportOrtho for Fall Prevention?
SportOrtho specializes in conservative orthopedic care, which means we focus on natural, non-surgical ways to help your body move better.
We offer:
- Expert physical therapists who specialize in fall prevention
- Balance, strength, and vestibular training
- Personalized treatment plans
- Same-day and fast appointments
- A caring and supportive team
We are here to help you stay strong, independent, and confident.
What You Can Do Today to Lower Your Fall Risk
Here are a few steps you can take right now:
✔ Move more every day
Even a few minutes of walking or gentle exercise helps.
✔ Look around your home for hazards
Clear clutter, improve lighting, and secure loose rugs.
✔ Schedule a fall risk evaluation at SportOrtho
Our team will check your strength, balance, walking pattern, and home safety needs.
Schedule Your Fall Risk Assessment Today
Falls are preventable—but you don’t have to navigate this alone.
Whether you’re starting to feel unsteady or you’re a caregiver worried about a loved one, SportOrtho is here to help. Our team can build a personalized fall prevention plan that helps you stay confident, steady, and independent.
