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Falling for no apparent reason: Any ideas?
I'm 75, active, female, and constantly falling for seemingly no reason. I just fall! Three times already this week. In one fall, I split my ear and required 8 stitches. No dizziness, etc.
I need falling prevention classes in Seacoast NH. I am getting very worried that one of these falls will result in serious injury. Perhaps I need some kind of testing. Tomorrow, I'm going to an ENT doctor who was referred to me by a doctor at the Urgent Care Clinic who said my ear was infected. The ENT receptionist said maybe he'll refer me to an audiologist or optometrist to do balance, inner ear testing, etc. Does that sound about right to anybody who knows what I'm talking about. Remember, no lightheadedness or dizziness, etc. I take several medications for depression, anxiety, cholesterol, etc, but my mind does not feel foggy or cloudy.
Please help me find an appropriate doctor specializing in this issue. Or a suitable class or program. I am getting scared now. It happens too much. I only was really hurt once so far when I split my ear when I fell, but I know it can happen any time now and maybe disable me, or worse.
Please help me. I'll be here to see any posts all day today and am free to answer any questions you may have.
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An elderly friend falls suddenly and he learned it is from damage to his back from arthritis and a problem with a disc.
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1 ReactionI fall for no apparent reason, just broke my wrist, if I'm holding onto something it doesn't happen. Any ideas? Dennis
Hi Dennis. Bought a pair of good hiking boots with high ankle support. Inconvenient, but when I start to be off balance it helps me get right. Hope it helps for you. Saved me from many falls I can tell.
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3 Reactions@dennishagan. @cmb1, and others...Falling has been in my vocabulary of life for over 20 years....it began in my 50s so I soon realized my balance was a real issue. I had a shop then and sold walking sticks from England and the US. SO, I began using a walking stick and found a lot of help stabilizing my walking. As years passed, I found I needed to re-evaluate all my shoes, my shoe fettish had to be addressed. All, every pair of my georgeous shoes, heels/flats/sneakers/everything in between was given to a woman's shelter and Salvation Army. I actually cried at losing that part of my attire personality. But, it gave me sooo much closet space!
Now, I have found the best shield for my feet and body. Living in Florida, with limited types of walking spaces, I wear slip-on Sketchers...one is snake skin, one is black with crystals all over the shoe, have black, black in sandles that slip on and have no toe divider....hurts my toes. So, with arthritis, Parkinsons issues, balance-these fit my feet well, have excellent inner soles and support and the soles are safe and comfy...I can't tie shoestring, don't have strength to pull velcro to fit, so must have simple slipper type slip on. And, with the front cut low enough to accommodate my edema issue.
So, there are many issues you must address when dealing with falling. I use the walls and counters for balance. But, not furniture that may wiggle or move.
I now, at 75, have a hot pink walker in my car to use when out of house. No longer use cane when out, unless just going from car to door.
You didn't mention your age or cause of falling. There are so many variances you really have to consider it all. Lots of folks like the climbing poles???
Wishing you well as you learn this new you. Blessings on you journey....Elizabeth
Hey Dennis many people dont realize how important it is to be able to walk correctly. We usually take it for granted and never give our balance or our walking form any thought.
Change how you walk and you will change your life. This video will help you understand key concepts of proper walking form
Search on youtube How to Walk (In Response to Bob and Brad) @bob & Brad In-Depth by the channel "grown and healthy."
I cant post the link because I am a new member
Another tip is to practice walking barefoot. This will increase your balance and coordination.
That video is great! Thank you for recommending.
Thanks Elizabeth for your input. Time to consider departing from my shoe collection. I am so attached and it looks like at 68 I have to realize my bones will thank me for this. Happy you have found the right shoes and are having some fun with that pink walker!!! Have never seen one!
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1 ReactionHello @dennishagen and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I see you've had several members come in and share with you including @cmb1 @ess77 @jkrock16 and @pacer3702.
I wanted to let you know that because we had an existing discussion on this same topic, you will notice I have moved your post here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/falling-for-no-apparent-reason/?pg=8
Do you feel dizzy before falling or any other symptoms you can identify?
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6 Reactions@jkrock16, and all..I am a southern girl. Hate wearing shoes at all , but now have arthritis, peripheral neuropathy, numbness, pain, on and on and often fall going upstairs with shoes or bearfoot. Have to wear slippers with backs and leather soles inside the house. Helps me keep from slipping AND I can feel the floor with my feet...numb and this helps..
Outside must wear real shoes. Doc told me never to go barefoot.
Going upstairs, I tend to not lift my feet enough and catch my poor little toes on the step, falling hard forward. Broken several toes multiple times. Now they are very painful with arthritis and whatever. Suggest wearing shoes....but exercise your toes, massage and stretch your feet a lot. Makes a diff in walking! Use your toes for balance...
Funny conversation. We're all so funny...be well and be blessed. Elizabeth