Latest news with #injuryprevention
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Here's What ER Doctors Say Every Person Should Do After A Fall, Regardless Of Your Age
People of any age are susceptible to falling, but older adults are especially at risk. Falls are the leading cause of injury and injury death for people over the age of 65 and were responsible for nearly 3 million emergency room visits for older adults in 2021, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control. No matter your age, it's important to take falls seriously, emergency room physician Dr. Joe Whittington told HuffPost. 'Whether it's a young person who brushes off a fall or someone older who thinks it's just a part of aging, it's important to understand that falls can lead to complications like infections or long-term disability,' said Whittington, who runs the Dr. Joe MD TikTok account. 'Prevention is key. Keeping up with regular physical activity, making environmental adjustments and knowing what to do after a fall can significantly reduce risks.' We asked Whittington and other ER physicians what they'd advise people to do after a fall, including tips to help prevent this type of incident. Here's what we learned: First, do a full-body check for injuries. Related: Before you even attempt to get up, do a full-body check for pain, 'particularly in the head, neck, or spine, as well as possible fractures or dislocations,' Whittington said. You should also look out for abrasions, significant swelling, severe pain or the inability to move any part of your body, ER physician Dr. Jordan Wagner told HuffPost. 'This step is crucial to avoid worsening a potential fracture, dislocation, or internal injury by moving too quickly,' said Wagner, also known as 'Doctor ER' on YouTube. 'If you notice any sharp pain or have difficulty moving, stay there and call for emergency help if a phone is nearby.' Move slowly. Related: Sudden movements can worsen hidden injuries like sprains or fractures, Wagner said. Other serious fall-related injuries like internal bleeding or concussions may not be apparent right off the bat. 'If you feel dizzy, nauseous or in significant pain, stay still and call for help. Getting up too quickly can worsen an injury,' Whittington said. If you hit your head, seek medical care ASAP. If you hit your head during the fall, get evaluated by a medical professional immediately — even if you feel OK at first, Wagner advised. 'Symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, headaches, or nausea could indicate a concussion, brain bleed, or a more serious injury,' he explained. 'Brain bleeds, in particular, can be life-threatening and often develop at different rates, so you might not notice severe symptoms right away. Head injuries are tricky and can escalate quickly, so it's always better to be safe than sorry.' Know that falls can be especially dangerous for those taking blood thinners, as these medications can 'increase the risk of potentially life-threatening bleeding, especially after head trauma,' former emergency medicine physician Dr. Jessica Singh, founder and CEO of Sukhayu Wellness, told HuffPost. If you're experiencing other concerning pain or symptoms in general, you should seek immediate medical care, she added. Treat any minor injuries at home. Related: 'If there's no immediate sign of a serious injury, take deep breaths and apply ice to any sore areas,' Wagner said. 'Ice helps reduce swelling and prevents further damage.' Don't try to 'tough it out,' he added. 'It's important not to push through pain or discomfort after a fall.' If you've injured a limb, elevate it to minimize swelling, Whittington advised. 'For example, if you've twisted your ankle or injured your knee, keeping it elevated above your heart helps the healing process,' he said. 'Don't ignore what seems like a minor injury. Early care can prevent more serious issues later.' Afterward, reflect on factors that led to the fall. After a fall, set aside some time to figure out the root cause of the incident, taking into account both personal and environmental factors. 'For instance, was the fall a result of slipping on ice or a wet surface, a missed step, an accident primarily caused by someone else, a lack of appropriate balance, support, and/or safety precautions, or an external situation?' Singh said. 'What other external factors, including medications, alcohol or substance use, may have contributed to the fall?' Think, too, about the reasons that may have contributed to such as a health condition or whether you were rushing, distracted or multitasking when the fall occurred, Singh said. She also pointed to research showing that while falls often occur after slipping or tripping, 'external factors are seldom the sole cause of an elderly patient's fall. In almost all cases, patients' comorbidities and health status are involved,' according to a 2015 study. Assessing the entire situation will help you get appropriate medical care and have better safety measures in place moving forward, Singh said. Reduce fall hazards in your home. Related: Making some adjustments to your living space — such as decluttering — could save you a trip to the emergency room, Wagner said. 'Keeping a clean and organized living space, especially in high-traffic areas, is essential,' he said. Other common tripping hazards include loose rugs and cords, pets, walkers, canes and stairs. 'Many people trip on stairs because they're moving too quickly, not paying attention to their footing,' Wagner said. Making sure your home is well-lit is one of the most overlooked ways to prevent a fall, Whittington said. 'Many falls happen at night or in dimly lit areas. Adding night lights or brighter bulbs in key areas, especially in hallways, bathrooms, and stairs, can drastically reduce the risk of a fall.' Proper footwear with slip-resistant soles and assistive devices (such as grab bars, reaching tools and fall alarms) can also improve health and safety, Singh said. Small changes like these can 'make a huge difference, especially for older adults or people with limited mobility,' Whittington added. Stay active. In the wake of a fall, you may become overly cautious and scared of it happening again, which can make you more sedentary. But it's so important to stay active and to continue doing the things you enjoy. 'Immobility is associated with deconditioning and greater fall risk. Research has shown that fear is commonly experienced after a fall, leading to reduced physical activity and increased risk of falling,' Singh said. Whittington also highlighted the importance of staying active and working on your balance via practices like yoga or tai chi, which can 'greatly reduce the risk of falls,' he said. 'As we age, we lose muscle strength and flexibility, which affects our balance. Strengthening muscles and practicing coordination helps your body respond better to slips or trips, potentially preventing a serious fall.'This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Also in Goodful: Also in Goodful: Also in Goodful: Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Here's What ER Doctors Say Every Person Should Do After A Fall, Regardless Of Your Age
People of any age are susceptible to falling, but older adults are especially at risk. Falls are the leading cause of injury and injury death for people over the age of 65 and were responsible for nearly 3 million emergency room visits for older adults in 2021, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control. No matter your age, it's important to take falls seriously, emergency room physician Dr. Joe Whittington told HuffPost. 'Whether it's a young person who brushes off a fall or someone older who thinks it's just a part of aging, it's important to understand that falls can lead to complications like infections or long-term disability,' said Whittington, who runs the Dr. Joe MD TikTok account. 'Prevention is key. Keeping up with regular physical activity, making environmental adjustments and knowing what to do after a fall can significantly reduce risks.' We asked Whittington and other ER physicians what they'd advise people to do after a fall, including tips to help prevent this type of incident. Here's what we learned: First, do a full-body check for injuries. Related: Before you even attempt to get up, do a full-body check for pain, 'particularly in the head, neck, or spine, as well as possible fractures or dislocations,' Whittington said. You should also look out for abrasions, significant swelling, severe pain or the inability to move any part of your body, ER physician Dr. Jordan Wagner told HuffPost. 'This step is crucial to avoid worsening a potential fracture, dislocation, or internal injury by moving too quickly,' said Wagner, also known as 'Doctor ER' on YouTube. 'If you notice any sharp pain or have difficulty moving, stay there and call for emergency help if a phone is nearby.' Move slowly. Related: Sudden movements can worsen hidden injuries like sprains or fractures, Wagner said. Other serious fall-related injuries like internal bleeding or concussions may not be apparent right off the bat. 'If you feel dizzy, nauseous or in significant pain, stay still and call for help. Getting up too quickly can worsen an injury,' Whittington said. If you hit your head, seek medical care ASAP. If you hit your head during the fall, get evaluated by a medical professional immediately — even if you feel OK at first, Wagner advised. 'Symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, headaches, or nausea could indicate a concussion, brain bleed, or a more serious injury,' he explained. 'Brain bleeds, in particular, can be life-threatening and often develop at different rates, so you might not notice severe symptoms right away. Head injuries are tricky and can escalate quickly, so it's always better to be safe than sorry.' Know that falls can be especially dangerous for those taking blood thinners, as these medications can 'increase the risk of potentially life-threatening bleeding, especially after head trauma,' former emergency medicine physician Dr. Jessica Singh, founder and CEO of Sukhayu Wellness, told HuffPost. If you're experiencing other concerning pain or symptoms in general, you should seek immediate medical care, she added. Treat any minor injuries at home. Related: 'If there's no immediate sign of a serious injury, take deep breaths and apply ice to any sore areas,' Wagner said. 'Ice helps reduce swelling and prevents further damage.' Don't try to 'tough it out,' he added. 'It's important not to push through pain or discomfort after a fall.' If you've injured a limb, elevate it to minimize swelling, Whittington advised. 'For example, if you've twisted your ankle or injured your knee, keeping it elevated above your heart helps the healing process,' he said. 'Don't ignore what seems like a minor injury. Early care can prevent more serious issues later.' Afterward, reflect on factors that led to the fall. After a fall, set aside some time to figure out the root cause of the incident, taking into account both personal and environmental factors. 'For instance, was the fall a result of slipping on ice or a wet surface, a missed step, an accident primarily caused by someone else, a lack of appropriate balance, support, and/or safety precautions, or an external situation?' Singh said. 'What other external factors, including medications, alcohol or substance use, may have contributed to the fall?' Think, too, about the reasons that may have contributed to such as a health condition or whether you were rushing, distracted or multitasking when the fall occurred, Singh said. She also pointed to research showing that while falls often occur after slipping or tripping, 'external factors are seldom the sole cause of an elderly patient's fall. In almost all cases, patients' comorbidities and health status are involved,' according to a 2015 study. Assessing the entire situation will help you get appropriate medical care and have better safety measures in place moving forward, Singh said. Reduce fall hazards in your home. Related: Making some adjustments to your living space — such as decluttering — could save you a trip to the emergency room, Wagner said. 'Keeping a clean and organized living space, especially in high-traffic areas, is essential,' he said. Other common tripping hazards include loose rugs and cords, pets, walkers, canes and stairs. 'Many people trip on stairs because they're moving too quickly, not paying attention to their footing,' Wagner said. Making sure your home is well-lit is one of the most overlooked ways to prevent a fall, Whittington said. 'Many falls happen at night or in dimly lit areas. Adding night lights or brighter bulbs in key areas, especially in hallways, bathrooms, and stairs, can drastically reduce the risk of a fall.' Proper footwear with slip-resistant soles and assistive devices (such as grab bars, reaching tools and fall alarms) can also improve health and safety, Singh said. Small changes like these can 'make a huge difference, especially for older adults or people with limited mobility,' Whittington added. Stay active. In the wake of a fall, you may become overly cautious and scared of it happening again, which can make you more sedentary. But it's so important to stay active and to continue doing the things you enjoy. 'Immobility is associated with deconditioning and greater fall risk. Research has shown that fear is commonly experienced after a fall, leading to reduced physical activity and increased risk of falling,' Singh said. Whittington also highlighted the importance of staying active and working on your balance via practices like yoga or tai chi, which can 'greatly reduce the risk of falls,' he said. 'As we age, we lose muscle strength and flexibility, which affects our balance. Strengthening muscles and practicing coordination helps your body respond better to slips or trips, potentially preventing a serious fall.'This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Also in Goodful: Also in Goodful: Also in Goodful:
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Stride Soles Disrupts $6.7 Billion Orthotics Market with Direct-to-Consumer, Tech-Enabled Custom Insoles
As demand for orthopedic insoles accelerates, Stride Soles eliminates barriers to clinical-grade orthotics with a digital-first, sustainable model NEW YORK, July 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With orthopedic insole demand projected to more than double from $3.2 billion in 2025 to $6.7 billion by 2035, Stride Soles is redefining access to clinical-grade custom orthotics. By eliminating traditional barriers of cost, access, and production time, Stride delivers precision-fit orthotics through a direct-to-consumer platform. Frustrated by the high cost and slow delivery of clinic-made orthotics, CEO Greg Gerla partnered with physician Dr. Zac Cartun, MD, in 2021 to create a better way. Working with German podiatrists and biomechanical experts, they developed Stride's process: a podiatrist-designed intake quiz, smartphone 3D foot scan, and gait analysis — all without a clinic visit. "As interest in foot health and injury prevention rises, people want orthotics that actively support performance and long-term mobility," said Dr. Dietmar Walter, Head of Podiatry at Stride Soles. "Stride delivers clinical-grade orthotics direct to consumers, with no compromise on precision." Market analysts cite aging populations, sports participation, chronic foot conditions, and demand for sustainable solutions as key growth drivers. Investor confidence in the insole category is also surging: Coats Group recently announced its $770 million acquisition of insole-maker OrthoLite, underscoring both the market's trajectory and the demand for scalable, sustainable solutions. Stride pairs German engineering with eco-conscious 3D printing, reducing production waste by 97% while delivering a precision fit. Made from durable TPU bioplastic and finished with vegan leather, Stride orthotics are designed to provide biomechanical support and enhance foot function — supporting healthier movement patterns and promoting long-term mobility. According to Stride's medical team, key benefits associated with clinical-grade orthotics may include: Improved alignment and posture through stabilized foot mechanics Reduced foot discomfort tied to conditions like plantar fasciitis, flat feet, or overpronation Enhanced shock absorption and pressure distribution, potentially reducing joint strain Increased comfort and endurance during daily activity and sports Encouragement of natural arch strength over time, supporting injury prevention By combining precision craftsmanship with digital innovation, Stride aims to give consumers proactive access to clinical-grade foot support — without the traditional clinic markup. About Stride SolesFounded by Greg Gerla, Dr. Zac Cartun, MD, and a team of German podiatrists, Stride Soles delivers custom, medical-grade orthotics worldwide through digital innovation and clinical expertise. Learn more at Media Contact:Meryl Haley Communicationsmeryl@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Stride Soles Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
South China Morning Post
22-07-2025
- Health
- South China Morning Post
Why physiotherapy isn't just for the injured
Physiotherapy. The word resonates with everybody in one way or another: the sports injury that just wouldn't heal, the arduous recovery after giving birth, the tedious post-broken toe exercises you dutifully ignored. Advertisement Or maybe you're the person who's avoided the practice altogether after hearing about a 'friend of a friend' who left a session worse off or didn't notice any real benefit. Regardless, two truths seem to be universal: physiotherapy is something you do only after a major injury , and even then, it's rarely something you look forward to. In reality, physiotherapy isn't just a fix-it service, it's increasingly being used to stop problems before they start, reshaping when and why people should book that first session. Beyond recovery: what physio can actually do Physiotherapy can prevent injuries before they occur. Physios really only have one goal: to help you move better. It means their remit is surprisingly broad. From stroke recovery and helping patients in intensive care units to breathe more easily, to aiding those with multiple sclerosis to manage muscle weakness , they can be wizards for those with bigger issues. And increasingly, their expertise is being applied to prevention and everyday function as much as rehabilitation. But in much the same way a session with a mental health therapist can be all too easily brushed off as something you 'don't really need' (only to find yourself struggling even more a year later), physiotherapists can play a crucial role in preventing bigger problems down the line, too, if you give them a chance. A proactive approach – for athletes and everyone else For Neil Fitzhenry from The Physio Lab in Hong Kong, who's worked with dozens of professional footballers, rugby players and gymnasts, being proactive is a no-brainer, but most people don't realise it's even an option. Advertisement
Yahoo
20-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
I'm a personal trainer — 2 things you shouldn't do when lifting heavy during squats
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Squatting with or without weights requires solid technique and form to prevent injury and maximize your performance (and gains). You might still build strength and muscle with poor form, but at what cost? Squats build lower-body strength and core stability; depending on the squat variation you prefer, you might see more engagement in the upper body, or more emphasis on the front or back of your body. For example, front squats hit the quads harder because of the front-rack placement of the weights; back squats hit the posterior chain harder because the weight is rear-loaded. But squat benefits aside, if you want to strengthen, build, or sculpt muscular legs using the squat exercise, there are two under-represented tweaks I'd make to your form (and common mistakes to avoid) to help you get there. These are them. What two mistakes should you avoid? These are two areas that you might not know about, but should. 1. Butt winking Yes, butt winks really are a thing, and they're very common, too. Butt winking means the slight rounding of the lumbar spine that occurs at the bottom of the squat. It happens when the pelvis slightly tucks under, creating a soft c-shape. The good news is that if you're a butt winker, you don't have to be. This isn't high school, and you're not stuck with the name for life. It can be fixed, and to avoid lower back injury, it should be. The heavier you lift, the stronger you get, but fixing your butt winks matters even more. All that load on your body will take its toll if you don't keep your lower back safe. There are a few reasons butt winks occur, including a lack of mobility in the hips, knees, ankles, or thoracic spine, strength, or incorrect stance (more on that in a moment), and all of these are fixable. Here are the 7 best ways to fix 'butt winks' during squats. 2. Unstable foot positioning Stance is crucial to stability and form during squats and can be the difference between you executing a successful lift or not. There have been many times in the past when my stance has sent my bar tumbling to the floor behind me or sent me careening forward. When I refer to foot positioning or stance, I'm not talking about how wide or narrow your feet are. A narrower stance may suit those with greater lower-body mobility and is more quad-dominant than a wider stance; the latter can suit beginners or those who need a little more space, although make sure your knees don't turn in to compensate. Wide stances used for the likes of sumo squats also emphasize the glutes, specifically the outer glutes, more than a narrow stance. The good news is that if you're a butt winker, you don't have to be. This isn't high school, and you're not stuck with the name for life. Traditionally, personal trainers teach you to drive through the heels — the words 'Keep the weight in your heels or 'Push through your heels as you stand' left my mouth often when I first started teaching, but it's not what I teach now with more experience behind me. The weight should never be in the balls of your feet, as this sends your bodyweight forward, so sending the weight to your heels isn't 'bad,' and will help you drive heavy weights more successfully and with more stability. However, I use a tripod foot position, which means distributing the weight between your little and big toes and your heels, giving you three strong points of contact. It provides a wider base for stability and will improve your foot-ground connection so that you can drive through the feet better. If you find the tripod position difficult, have a look at what's on your feet. Perhaps a pair of cross training or weightlifting shoes could help you deliver on your squats — and we know the best cross training shoes for that. More from Tom's Guide How to squat with proper form I'm a personal trainer, 5 things I wish I had known before trying barbell squats for the first time Best ankle stretches to make squats more comfortable
