Tips for Fall Prevention in the Winter Months

According to the Centers for Disease Control, over a million adults slip and fall yearly. Those risks increase with age and colder weather, and while San Antonio is hardly the great white North, we do have occasional ice storms. 

Discover how to protect yourself with these tips for fall prevention. If you fall this winter, the Spine & Pain Center of San Antonio in Westover Hills and Live Oak can help you feel yourself again. 

6  tips for winter fall prevention 

Icy steps and walkways are major culprits for slip and falls. So is wearing the wrong type of shoes for the weather or walking too fast. Even rain can provide the perfect conditions for slipping. The National Council on Aging says one in four older adults slips yearly in the United States. 

Here are practical tips for preventing winter falls.

Keep steps and pathways clear 

De-ice steps and sidewalks before storms. In lieu of chemical de-icers, you can also use sand or kitty litter. Those won’t melt the ice but do give traction on slippery surfaces.  

If snowfall doesn’t melt right away, use an old broom or a shovel to push the snow away from your path. 

Non-slip mats 

Use non-slip mats at exterior doorways. Placing a nonstick mat at the door entrance offers a “grippy” surface for traction. It also helps keep your floors cleaner because it collects dirt and water. 

Add another non-slip mat on your door’s interior for extra traction. During wet or icy conditions, you can’t have too many points of traction, as it can mean the difference between catching yourself or going down.

Use handrails 

If non-slip mats help your foot traction, handrails offer another way to support yourself. Let the handrail be a support system for you. 

Choose your shoes carefully

Some shoes have smooth bottoms, which can act like ice skates on slippery surfaces. Better to choose shoes with a good tread for extra grip. Many waterproof booties and similar types of shoes are available to keep on hand for wintry conditions. 

You might find a special cane with a spiky bottom to help grip snow and ice, which is helpful too. 

Walk carefully 

If having shoes that grip are part of the essential equation, so is how you walk. Hold on to handrails and tread cautiously with small, deliberate steps 

Pay attention to bone health

Vitamin D, good nutrition, and strength training can help you maintain stronger bones. You can also get a bone density test to assess your bone health. 

Your emergency fall plan 

If you do fall, take a deep breath and try to assess any injuries.  Don’t make any immediate moves. If you have your cell phone handy, call an emergency contact to help you. If you can get up, roll to your side and help yourself up carefully. 

If you can get up without help, make your way to a safe space where you can rest and make a better assessment. After a fall, bruises are common. So are wrist injuries because it’s natural to put your hand out to catch yourself. Landing on it can fracture your wrist. 

Hopefully, you will spend this winter slip-free and healthy. However, if you fall, you can schedule an appointment at the Spine & Pain Center of San Antonio. Our expert team evaluates your potential injuries to help you feel your best again.