In my medical career, I have met many Parkinson's patients who have to fight with physical inconveniences and the challenges of illness on a daily basis. Parkinson's disease is not just a neurodegenerative disease, it profoundly affects the patient's ability to exercise, especially balance and coordination, which makes falls a common and serious problem. I remember one time, an elderly patient with Parkinson's disease, we call him Mr. Zhang, accidentally fell at home and caused a serious knee injury. Mr. Zhang had never taken the risk of falls seriously until that accident. He came to my clinic with a look of pain and helplessness on his face. After the accident, he began to realize that even the simple task of getting up from bed became difficult.
From Mr. Zhang's case, I am acutely aware that we need to be more proactive in intervening to educate our patients and their families on how to prevent falls, especially to protect those critical areas that are vulnerable to injury in falls. Through this story, I hope to be able to remind all Parkinson's disease patients and their families that care and proper precautions in daily life can significantly reduce the risk of injury and improve quality of life. Head protectionFirst of all, precautions are very important, especially in your own living environment. There are some simple modifications that can be made in your home, such as making sure the floor is level and unobstructed, and the edges of the carpet are fixed to avoid becoming a stumbling block. In addition, furniture should be placed in an open and accessible manner, especially the path to the bathroom or bedroom, as these are the areas with the most movement at night. Secondly, for Parkinson's patients, wearing a protective cap is an effective preventive measure. There are protective hats on the market that are designed for the elderly, which usually have good cushioning properties and can protect the head from heavy blows in the event of a fall. When choosing a protective cap, make sure that the hat is comfortable and meets safety standards, and does not obstruct vision or hearing.
Finally, the role of families and caregivers cannot be overlooked. They should know how to assist people with Parkinson's disease to walk safely, especially if they are tired or not in good shape. With effective communication and timely assistance, the risk of accidents can be significantly reduced. Knee and leg protectionIn order to effectively protect the knees and legs, it is first recommended that patients with Parkinson's disease choose the appropriate thickened knee brace. There are many types of knee braces available on the market, and patients should choose those that provide good support and cushioning. The correct way to wear it is to make sure that the knee brace is close to the knee joint, not too tight or too loose to avoid affecting blood circulation or slipping. In addition, exercises to strengthen the leg muscles are also crucial. Simple rehabilitation exercises, such as chair leg raises and standing knee bends, can be done at home to help build leg strength and improve balance. These exercises should be done under the guidance of a physical therapist to ensure the accuracy and safety of the movements. By wearing proper knee braces and performing leg strength training, people with Parkinson's disease can reduce the risk of falls to some extent and protect their knees from injury. This not only helps to maintain the patient's mobility, but also improves the quality of life.
Hand and wrist protection
First of all, I advise patients to try using a wrist brace in their daily life. Wrist braces provide additional support and protection, reducing the risk of sprains or more serious injuries due to falls. When choosing a wrist brace, make sure it conforms to the shape of the hand and doesn't unduly restrict the natural movement of the hand. Secondly, for patients who walk or go out frequently, the use of crutches or walkers is also a very good option. These aids not only help patients maintain balance but also provide immediate support in times of instability. When choosing a crutch or walker, make sure its height and grip are appropriate for the patient so that it is more comfortable and natural to use. In addition, developing good reaction habits is also part of protection. When the body begins to lose balance, the patient should learn how to use the hands and wrists correctly to protect themselves, such as learning how to safely support the body with the hands and avoid bearing the full weight directly on the palms of the hands. Finally, there are also some modifications in the home, such as installing handrails and grab bars to help in areas that need extra support. These changes will not only increase the safety of the home, but also help patients become more independent in their daily lives and reduce the chance of falls. Through these measures, we are able to effectively reduce hand and wrist injuries caused by falls in Parkinson's patients and improve their quality of life.
Precautionary measures
To ensure the safety of people with Parkinson's disease, especially to reduce the risk of falls, here are some practical precautions: Home Environment Safety Modifications: Make sure your home has wide walkways and neat items to reduce obstacles that can cause tripping. Install non-slip mats on the floor, especially in areas where the floor may be slippery, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Make sure your home is well lit, especially in areas that are frequently moved at night, such as bedroom-to-bathroom passages. Install handrails and grab bars to help on stairs, bathrooms, and other places that need extra support.
Safety measures for outdoor activities:
The use of crutches or walkers is recommended when out and about, as these tools can provide additional support and stability. Wear non-slip shoes and make sure the soles have a good grip for all kinds of weather and ground conditions. Avoid going outside in bad weather, such as ice or heavy rain, to reduce the risk of falls. Regular physical examination and medical communication: Regular examination of nervous system and muscle function, timely adjustment of treatment plan. Talk to your doctor about medication side effects that may affect balance and walking, and adjust your medications if necessary. Participate in physical therapy and exercise programs for people with Parkinson's disease to improve muscle strength and balance. With these specific steps, Parkinson's disease patients and their families can significantly reduce the risk of falls, thereby improving their quality of life and sense of safety.