The silent falls

Why does Osteoarthritis cause falls?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that affects the joints, causing deterioration of the cartilage that covers them. This can lead to a variety of health problems, with lack of stability being one of the most common. Osteoarthritis weakens the muscles and ligaments around the joints, resulting in decreased balance and an increased risk of accidental falls. In addition, the disease can cause pain and stiffness, making it difficult to maintain a stable and secure posture.

People with osteoarthritis should be aware that in some cases it will be difficult not to fall, but that falls should have as little impact as possible.

Fear of falling again

Recent research indicates that, in Spain, about 30% of people over 65 years of age with Osteoarthritis suffer at least one fall a year. These studies also reveal that people with osteoarthritis have a higher propensity to fall compared to other age groups and those without this medical condition. Similarly, falls in people with osteoarthritis can have serious consequences, such as prolonged hospitalization and long-term disability.

In addition, these falls can generate a recurrent fear of future falls, which can trigger a vicious cycle. This fear can lead to a reduction in physical activity levels and a decrease in quality of life, when in fact it is essential that people with osteoarthritis maintain an adequate level of activity according to their abilities.

In summary, lack of stability and falls are significant health problems affecting people with osteoarthritis. Consequently, it is important to take preventive measures, such as muscle strengthening, the use of devices and the adoption of healthy lifestyle habits -among others- to reduce the risk of falls and improve the quality of life of these people.

How to prevent falls

Most people with Osteoarthritis want to and should continue to live at home, but they have to adapt their home to their new situation. It is therefore important to prevent falls and to make sure that there are no rugs or other obstacles in the home that could cause them to fall.

It is also in the hands of the person with osteoarthritis to prevent falls by strengthening his or her body through exercises that promote flexibility and muscle strengthening, such as stretching and exercises with balls on the floor. These exercises allow the development of greater laterality and diverse movements, which helps to reduce the impact in the event of a fall. Finally, it is important to keep in mind that, if you spend a lot of time sitting, it is advisable to occasionally get up from your chair by leaning on your hands and making careful movements from one side to the other (pulses). This promotes circulation and avoids stiffness, thus helping to reduce the risk of falls.

What are the benefits of IndeeLift for Osteoarthritis Patients?

IndeeLift becomes an indispensable ally for people with osteoarthritis who wish to maintain their independence and live at home. First of all, the device offers an effective solution for the recovery of people who have suffered a fall. Thanks to IndeeLift, it is possible to lift a fallen person off the ground safely and easily, providing immediate assistance and preventing further injury.

It also provides independence to the fallen person, who can crawl towards the IndeeLift and, thanks to its beveled seat and the push of a button, can recover quickly, safely, easily and with dignity.

Secondly, IndeeLift allows easy transfer to different surfaces such as chairs, beds, toilets and wheelchairs, as well as assisting in standing up.

Thirdly, IndeeLift allows people with osteoarthritis to comfortably lower themselves to the floor for gentle exercises and then stand up with the help of the device. Finally, IndeeLift is a safe system that prevents injury to the caregiver by providing assistance after a fall. The device is activated with a single button, which can be operated by both the person with osteoarthritis and his or her caregiver, depending on each person’s mobility. With a lifting capacity of up to 76 cm and a maximum load of 180 kg, in a matter of seconds, the device allows the fallen person to be placed in a standing and/or sitting position.

Would you like to learn more about how an IndeeLift device can help you?

If you would like to learn more about how IndeeLift works and purchase a device with 15% discount as an OAFI member, you can request more information by sending an e-mail to contacto@indeeLift.com or by calling 00)34 689 258 673.

Article written by Dr. Joan Enric Torra i Bou, nurse and professor at the University of Lleida and clinical advisor of IndeeLift.