Most of us have experienced the aggravation of a sprained or twisted ankle before. However, as we age, our bodies become more susceptible to such injuries. It won’t come as a surprise to you to hear that ankle-related ailments are common amongst older adults. Of course, when an ankle injury is sustained, it can significantly limit mobility. Preventing such injuries is of paramount importance to seniors. So what are the top causes of ankle injuries for the elderly?
Slips and falls.
This certainly won’t come as a surprise either. Older adults are prone to issues with their balance and coordination. As a result, they can easily lose their footing and find themselves twisting their ankles. Add slippery floors, uneven surfaces and poorly lit areas to the mix and the risk of slipping and falling only increases.
“The Public Health Agency of Canada reports that falls are the most common type of injury among elderly Canadians,” reveals Elvenia Gray-Sandiford for The Ashcroft-Cache Creek Journal, “About one in three Canadian seniors aged 65 and older experiences at least one serious fall each year. These incidents are especially worrying for older adults and often result in many hospital visits, as well as the need for surgeries like hip replacements, knee surgeries, and ankle procedures.”
Osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis refers to a loss of bone density among aging adults. It is known to cause painful fractures, disabilities and even deformities. With age, the renewal of our bones becomes less efficient. Osteoporosis creates very thin and weak bones over time. Known as the “the silent thief”, this condition is a main culprit for bone fractures.
“Osteoporosis affects both sexes but is more frequent among women,” informs Health Canada, “It is estimated that about one out of four women and one out of eight men over the age of 50 in Canada have osteoporosis…When bones are seriously weakened by osteoporosis, even simple movements such as bending over to pick up a bag of groceries or sneezing heavily can lead to fractures.”
Improper footwear.
Are you wearing shoes that fit properly and offer you ample support? If not, you’re putting yourself at risk of an ankle injury. Firstly, ensure that your shoes have good tread to avoid slipping on smooth surfaces. It’s also wise to regularly check the condition of footwear and replace worn-out shoes. Secondly, avoid high heels. They are known to twist ankles.
“Ankle and foot sprains as well as fractures may happen when wearing high heels,” affirms FootCareMD, “In high heels, the foot is pointed down, which makes it easy to sprain or turn the ankle…The higher the heel, the higher the risk of losing balance and injuring the foot or ankle. Ankle sprains, ankle fractures, or even foot fractures can occur and some may be serious requiring surgery.”
Is an ankle injury preventing you from climbing the stairs in your home?
If so, it may be time to install a stair lift! Stair lifts are designed to provide safe and easy access to all levels of a home. For information about the high-quality stair lifts offered by LifeCare Mobility Solutions, please don’t hesitate to call us at 416-267-9800 or email us at info@lifecaremobility.ca. You may also contact us by filling out the form on our Contact page!
