Certain medicines and medical conditions can affect circulation or your ability to move and get around. They can also cause numbness and tingling in the feet, dizziness, disorientation and slowed reflexes. All of these can lead to falls. Here are some tips to help you:
- Stay informed about your medical conditions and whether they can increase your chance of falling. Some examples are low blood pressure, stiffness from osteoarthritis and low vitamin D levels. If you haven’t had a vitamin D test, ask your healthcare provider if you should have one.
- Review the list of medicines you’re taking with your healthcare provider at least once a year. The benefits and risks of medicines can change over time and as you age. Sometimes people may need to change a medicine, try a different dose or even stop a medicine altogether.
- Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist about the side effects of the medicines that you take and how they may affect your chances of falling. Be aware that the use of multiple medicines can increase your risk of falling.
- If you take any medicines or have any medical conditions that could lead to falls, your healthcare provider should be able to suggest ways to prevent them. Also, mention any symptoms you are having to your healthcare provider. Never change or skip medicines without talking with him or her first.