I have fallen many times, losing my balance.
Fortunately I haven't broken any bones so far. But I have been bruised and have had to get an x-ray to make sure. I have had to use a hand and wrist brace until it is healed.
It is a serious thing, especially as we get older.
Tips for maintaining balance
Keep at least one hand free at all times. Try using a
backpack or fanny pack
to hold things rather than carrying them in your hands.
Never carry objects
in both hands when walking as this interferes with keeping
your balance.
Attempt to swing both arms from front to back
while walking. This might
require a conscious effort if Parkinson’s disease has
diminished your
movement.It will, however, help you to maintain balance and
posture,
and reduce fatigue.
Consciously lift your feet off of the ground when
walking. Shuffling and
dragging of the feet is a common culprit in losing your
balance.
When trying to navigate turns, use a "U"
technique of facing forward
and making a wide turn, rather than pivoting
sharply.
Try to stand with your feet shoulder-length apart. When
your feet are
close together for any length of time, you increase your risk of
losing
your balance and falling.
Do one thing at a time. Don’t try to walk and
accomplish another task,
such as reading or looking around. The decrease in
your automatic
reflexes complicates motor function, so the less distraction,
the better.
Do not wear rubber or gripping soled shoes, they
might "catch" on the floor
and cause tripping.
Move slowly when
changing positions. Use deliberate, concentrated
movements and, if needed, use
a grab bar or walking aid. Count 15
seconds between each movement. For example,
when rising from
a seated position, wait 15 seconds after standing to begin
walking.
If you become
"frozen," visualize stepping over an imaginary object,
or have
someone place his or her foot in front of yours to step over.
Try not to have a
caregiver or companion "pull" you, this might throw
you off balance
and even prolong the episode.
If
balance is a continuous problem, you might want to consider a walking
aid such
as a cane, walking stick, or walker. Once you’ve mastered walking
with help,
you might be ready to try it on your own again.
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