Written by Megan Colletti, MS, OTR/L
Pain Consultants of East Tennessee is proud to be a part of the National Council on Aging Falls Awareness week from September 18-24, 2022. You may be asking, what does chronic pain have to do with falling? Why do we care?
The Center for Disease Control has identified 33 risk factors that put individuals at risk for falls. Adults who have more than one chronic condition, develop more of these risk factors than other individuals. Chronic conditions; such as arthritis, diabetes, and chronic pain can lead to developing risk factors for falling. These may include decreased flexibility, strength, visual and hearing loss, irregular vital signs, fear of movement, and taking certain medications to treat these conditions can increase risk factors.
According to the CDC, adults with arthritis are 2.5 times more likely to have 2 or more falls with injury compared to adults without arthritis. At PCET we understand that the individuals we care for are more likely to have these risk factors, which can lead to further pain or injury interfering with their daily lives. It is our goal, for each of our patients, to live their lives with value and purpose- without the fear of falling or further pain holding them back.
How do we address falls at PCET?
- Occupational Therapy– In OT, they focus on identifying individual’s specific risk factors and then create a plan for falls prevention; including environmental modifications, appropriate mobility aids, bathroom modifications, shoe wear, positional changes, vision strategies, and management of chronic conditions impact on falls risks.
- Physical Therapy- In PT, they focus on improving flexibility, strength, mobility changes, and confidence with movement. They will provide a customized exercise plan to help maintain these changes.
- Procedures- Individuals may be having difficulty moving due to painful joints. A nurse practitioner or doctor may recommend appropriate procedures to decrease pain and improve tolerance of movement.
If you notice you are having trouble with balance or fear of falling, talk with your nurse practitioner or doctor about a referral to address your concerns.
Feel free to click below to download falls prevention educational materials for yourself or others!
Five Quick and Easy Home Modifications
