SLIPS, TRIPS & FALLS
A CHIROPRACTOR SPEAKS
Tomorrow’s Health & Safety talks to Jessica Davy, Chiropractor, and member of the British Chiropractic Association (BCA), to understand how people can prevent musculoskeletal injuries from slips, trips and falls.
Q: HOW CAN YOU PREVENT SLIPS, TRIPS, AND FALLS?
Jessica Davy (JD): Prevention is always better than cure, and the most effective way to reduce injury risk is to avoid falls through proactive strategies (Adams et al., 2023). Maintaining lower limb strength and balance is especially important in older adults, as these factors significantly influence fall risk (Aartolahti et al., 2020). Evidence shows that targeted exercise programmes, particularly those that focus on balance and functional movements reduce both the rate of falls and the number of individuals experiencing them (Sherrington et al., 2019). Key footwear features linked to fall prevention include:
“IF NOT PROPERLY REHABILITATED, MSK INJURIES CAN LEAD TO CHRONIC PAIN, STIFFNESS, AND COMPENSATORY MOVEMENT PATTERNS, WHICH MAY CAUSE SECONDARY ISSUES.”
Fit: Footwear should fit snugly without being too tight or loose. Ill-fitting shoes can compromise stability, leading to discomfort and increasing the likelihood of trips or stumbles.
26
Fixation: A secure fastening system (e.g. laces, straps, or velcro) helps keep the foot in place within the shoe, supporting proper alignment and reducing internal movement that may disrupt balance.
Heel height: Lower heels are generally safer, as elevated heels can alter natural gait mechanics and reduce postural stability, raising fall risk.
Collar height: The height of the shoe collar around the ankle contributes to joint support. Higher collars may enhance ankle stability, particularly on uneven surfaces.
Slip resistance: Outsoles should offer effective grip to reduce the chance of slipping, especially on wet, polished, or uneven flooring.
Sole and insole hardness: The firmness of the sole or insole influences shock absorption and comfort. A balance between cushioning and stability is important for maintaining proper posture and movement control (Kim and Hegazy, 2024).
Environmental safety measures are equally important. Keeping walkways clear of hazards like loose rugs, cables,
WWW.TOMORROWSHS.COM
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46
