Published on: 7/4/2025
Why might I keep tripping and falling despite being careful?
Tripping and falling can happen if your brain is busy with many tasks or if you have nerve problems in your feet.
Explanation
Sometimes, people trip and fall even when they are being careful. This can happen because of a few reasons.
1. Doing Too Many Things at Once: When your brain is busy with many tasks, like thinking hard while walking, it can make it harder to avoid things in your way. This is called 'dual-tasking' and can make you trip more easily.
2. Nerve Problems: If the nerves in your feet are not working well, this can also cause falls. This condition is known as peripheral neuropathy. It can make it hard to feel where your feet are, leading to more trips and falls.
3. Health Conditions: Some health conditions, especially those affecting the brain, can increase the risk of falling. These conditions can make it harder for your body to move the way it should, leading to more falls.
If you keep tripping and falling, it might be a good idea to talk to a doctor to find out what is causing it.
(References)
- Hegeman J, Weerdesteyn V, van den Bemt B, Nienhuis B, van Limbeek J, & Duysens J. (2012). Dual-tasking interferes with obstacle avoidance reactions .... Gait & posture, 22565318.
- Stolze H, Klebe S, Zechlin C, Baecker C, Friege L, & Deuschl G. (2004). Falls in frequent neurological diseases--prevalence, risk .... Journal of neurology, 14999493.
- Richardson JK, & Ashton-Miller JA. (1996). Peripheral neuropathy: an often-overlooked cause of falls .... Postgraduate medicine, 8668629.
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