How to Prevent Falls and Fractures as Temperatures Drop

About 6 million people break bones each year in the United States. Whether you're dealing with ice, snow, or cold and rainy days, a few smart habits can keep you upright and out of the emergency room. Let’s break down how to stay on your feet during the colder seasons.

Visit the specialists at Summit Orthopaedics in Lake Oswego, Oregon, for an evaluation and personalized winter fall-prevention treatment plan.

Fall and fracture risk factors

Anyone can fall and fracture (break) a bone, but the common factors that increase your risk include:

• Aging
• Weakened bones (osteoporosis)
• Icy sidewalks
• Wintery weather
• Balance challenges
• Poor-fitting or slippery shoes
• Using assistive devices on slippery surfaces

Older adults are particularly at risk due to a higher chance of weakened bones, poor balance, or reduced strength associated with aging. 

5 winter fall and fracture prevention tips

Consider the following fall prevention tips when temperatures drop to dramatically lower your risk of fractures this winter season:

1. Wear winter-friendly footwear

Wear appropriate, comfortable, and slip-resistant shoes or boots that reduce the risk of slips and falls on snow or ice. Attach grip covers to your shoes for better traction or choose winterized footwear with rubber soles. Your orthopaedic specialist offers recommendations for choosing nonslippery shoes and boots that also keep your feet cold as the temps dip.

2. Complete a fall risk assessment

Summit Orthopaedics offers risk assessments that determine your risk of falls and fractures. If you’re at risk of taking a tumble, your provider personalizes a safety plan that helps keep you safe throughout the winter months and beyond.

3. Do balance training

Complete routine balance exercises and strength training as directed by your Summit Orthopaedics provider to lessen your risk of falls, regardless of the time of year. They personalize a plan that helps you feel more stable on your feet.

4. Reduce slick surfaces

Make outdoor snow and ice on your sidewalk or driveway less slippery by sprinkling sand or cat litter on the slick areas. Doing so creates more traction without breaking the bank.

5. Winterize assistive devices

Assistive devices, such as canes and walkers, can lead to falls if you're on a slippery surface. Attach an ice gripper with spikes to the bottom of a cane or purchase winter-safe accessories for a walker.

Recognizing the signs of a fracture

If you’ve taken a tumble and have signs of a fracture, see the Summit Orthopaedics team right away. Symptoms of fractures include:

• Pain
• Tenderness
• Swelling
• Instability
• Visible musculoskeletal deformity 
• Skin discoloration
• Bruising
• Reduced mobility in the affected area

The earlier you seek treatment for a fracture, the better the outcome, especially if you have a severe or painful bone break.

Schedule an evaluation today at Summit Orthopaedics by contacting us by phone at 503-850-9940 or requesting an appointment online to receive a personalized winter fall/fracture prevention plan.