Seniors with Arthritis at Higher Risk to Fall
Americans that suffer from arthritis are at a much higher risk of falling and injures related to these falls than people that do not have the condition, according to the results of a recent study. The rates of falls and injuries related to those falls were shown to be higher among adults that were middle aged or older and that suffered from arthritis.
As senior loved ones age, you know that the chance of a serious fall increases, now there is an additional factor that can lead to fall related injuries. As a result, seniors that suffer from arthritis need care and assistance more than ever.
Do to this increased risk, it is essential that caregivers and professional care providers understand how to help prevent falls that are the result of a person that suffers from arthritis. The fact is that falls are the number one cause of injury and death among senior citizens.
Prevention of Arthritis Related Falls
The most effective method that is available to prevent these falls use either physical therapy or exercise, which work to improve a person’s lower body strength, balance and their gait. In fact, this particular approach can help to reduce the risk of a fall related to arthritis by approximately 14 to 37 percent, according to reports from the study.
The reason that you are more prone to falling as you age is due to the fact that you have a slower reaction time, change in your posture, weaker muscles, a reduced sense of balance and worse eyesight. Arthritis on top of increased age can further complicate the issue. This is due to the fact that arthritis may actually cause worse balance. A portion of what helps you to maintain your balance is a body mechanism referred to as proprioception. This is when your muscles tell the brain what the body parts are, which allows your brain to make muscle adjustments when necessary.
However, as arthritis wears down tissues and cartilage in your joints, it may also damage a portion of the sensory nerves that proprioception is dependent on. This causes the signals from your muscles to never make it to your brain, which means that you may not properly compensate. Essentially, this can throw off your balance, increasing the chance that you will fall.
Exercises such as Tai Chi, walking and water exercises can help to reduce the chances of an arthritis related fall.
If you are caring for a senior loved one, or have contacted an in home care provider for assistance, you need to ensure they are aware of the increase risk of falling for seniors that suffer from arthritis. When you contact Comfort Keepers in Santa Clarita, you can feel confident that your senior loved one will receive the care and assistance necessary to minimize the risk of a fall.
Comfort Keepers
23900 Lyons Avenue
Santa Clarita, CA 91321
661-287-4200
