Falls

[biddy75]

Anyone falling from weak knees and unable to get up

[Silvergilt]

Yep. That's been a thing for a while for me. I wear a fall detector device now in case I get stuck without help again. Are your health specialists aware of your falls? Have any investigations been made?

[chuparosa]

Yes. It's usually because I forgot to take my migraine pills. Or had break through migraine and need excederin. I usually put an ice pack on head. Stay on ground for a few minutes .It subsides.

[biddy75]

I have lupus and vasculitis but my knees go stiff I have been to rheumatology but they have just referred me to neurology

[Rubylu]

I've had six falls in the last two years, including knocking myself out back in March!

I have neurological changes, so it's more to do with that than locked knees. End result is the same though. I do hope you haven't hurt yourself.

[biddy75 in reply to Rubylu]

Yes unfortunately I have a fractured toe.

[Rubylu in reply to biddy75]

Oh no. I hope it mends properly. My last fall caused two bones in my left foot to collapse, so I have to wear an orthotic device in my footwear.

It begs belief that people with AID struggle to get any far Nanci along help. There are so many things that happen to you. What it needs is for the health minister to develop rampant lupus. That would change things!

[biddy75 in reply to Rubylu]

Can you advise anything to stop the falls

[Rubylu in reply to biddy75]

Mine happen because one foot doesn't move . My leg simply doesn't follow instructions from the brain. Taking no my time, planning my moves (laborious!) and not turning suddenly reduce the risk. If I'm having real problems with lots of leg symptoms, then I resort to a stick.

It may be worth asking for a referral to physio, who can assess your mobility and risk movements and teach you safe strategies. I'd push for that. Adults falling should be taken very seriously by your GP

[biddy75 in reply to Rubylu]

I'm on crutches at minute but there useless when my legs give way

[Rubylu in reply to biddy75]

[Chanpreet_Walia LUPUS UK]

Hi Biddy75,

Have you informed your GP or rheumatologist about this? Have you thought about asking for a referral to a physiotherapist?

According to The Lupus Encyclopedia, weakened joints and falling can occur due to several different factors such as: lack of vitamin D, lack of calcium, side-effects of certain medication i.e. steroids and muscle weakness. The encylopedia provides some prevention methods for falling which are:

•Remove throw rugs and any loose or frayed rugs

•Remove electrical cords from walk areas

•Ensure adequate lighting throughout the house, entranceways and pathways around the house

•Always use a crane or walker when walking

Regular strengthening exercises can help maintain the strength of the muscles and help to increase function. To find out more, you can read our blog post on ‘Exercising with Lupus’ here: lupusuk.org.uk/lupus-and-ex...

We published a guide on ‘LUPUS and Healthy Eating’ which provides information on food groups that can naturally boost your vitamin D and calcium levels: lupusuk.org.uk/wp-content/u... . Always consult your doctor when making significant changes to your diet as this can sometimes cause disruption to certain medication.

Please keep us updated, all the best.