At 80 and after having two falls, I remember to think heel, toe, lift while out walking. Love, love, love your videos. Thanks. I have learned so much!!
Just watched your video on mobilising the big toe . I have advanced arthritis in my big toe I do keep triping now I know why but it's very stiff can you advice me on something else?
Nearly 70 and I have noticed my calves atrophying, and my right big toe has gotten very stiff over the past year. I walk two border collies and a standard poodle around 5 miles every day. Shoes/boots with laces make my toe hurt worse. I haven't had a falling problem, but I will start on these exercises to avoid a future fall. THANK YOU for this video!
I find this very interesting. I just hit the 65+ mark and for the past couple of years I have found myself a bit “light on my feet” as this guy explains it. When having this conversation with my doctor, the doc recommended physical therapy. I thought the doc was nuts and couldn’t believe how physical therapy was going to fix my light headedness. After watching this video, it all makes sense. I am going to revisit this idea and try these exercises.
Yes... good advice...I do toe raises and practice shifting weight from foot to foot and on different parks of the feet...and now ignore the candy bars too!
It won't help people like me. All shopping is online, only exercise is opening front door and bringing items indoors Exercise of choice is gardening, also walking my Bull Mastiff...
I’m in the hospital now from a massive fall - a lot of damage. I have no calves and no range of toe motion. If I had seen this video before, I would have done the exercises and maybe avoid the situation I’m in now.
Big toe extension ! I'm 64 , work in health care and walk to and from work daily ( about 70 minutes daily ) I also spend hours on my feet at work . I have a congenital deformity of my big toes . Now I understand why I have been tripping up a bit over the last few years . Thank You so much for this advice . ❤
I have had some falls in the last couple of years (without tripping over anything in particular), One part of this is that I need to be able to bend my feet the way as you demonstrate in the video. I am going to start applying this ASAP. Thanks so much!
I just want to take a minute out to thank you for your work and for helping all of us older folks. I can't tell you how much of a difference you've made. Good on you.
An unexpected benefit occurred after starting a ketogenic diet and eliminating all vegetable oils 20 months ago was the remission of arthritis. Another surprise was my eye floaters had disappeared. Food for thought
@@Bearwithme560 What are you referring to? I went to your site and there is absolutely nothing on it! I'm taking you for a troll unless you prove otherwise.
@@patriciathomas7549 not initially just grain based oils, however I have eliminated all plant based foods due to lipid mimicry which can be taken into cells but degrade function. Hope this helps
@@patriciathomas7549 appears the admins deleted my previous reply to you… to answer your question. Yes, I exclude any plant oils now although initially, I did not and used avocado or olive oil and then learned about lipid mimicry from plant oils, Which renders animal cells functions inert.
I'm 70 and I've fallen a few times (but not injured). In my case, I lost my footing near the bottom of my carpeted stairs due to my bi-focal glasses tricking my eyes. To avoid that, I make myself slow down and be more deliberate with where I'm focusing my eyes and placing my feet.
Thanks for pointing this out. I'm 75 but thankfully I walk and bicycle A LOT. I walk fast, around 6 km/hr (4 miles per hr). In the winter months I walk for twenty five minutes at least 3 times per week (so close to one and a half miles) and an hour once or twice a week (around 4 miles). So my calf muscles and my 'big toe extensions' are just fine. In the summer I generally do three fast 25 min walks a week plus two bike rides of around 30 km per week (20 miles). Takes me around one and a half hours per ride. My one issue is I don't do NEARLY enough upper body exercise. Cycling is pretty good for that, surprisingly. But I do little during the winter months. I have weights, but I rarely get round to using them. So I really feel it when I start cleaning up the garden and pond in the spring.
I’m 81 and have only fallen once in the past 5 years. (Tripped over a box I was packing). I had a friend (87) who insisted on wearing old sandals, she fell & broke both femurs. She never recovered. I wear substantial shoes and pay attention to my surroundings. Also, I see so many older people shuffle when the walk.
Thank you. It’s usually the most basic and most simple that are the most helpful. Tai Chi fall prevention classes have been a real blessing and eye opener.
This was much better than I expected. I thought there would only be mention of the occasions during which falls occur, e.g. climbing stairs, heavy lifting such as laundry, or getting into or out of baths, not the actual underlying causes and useful remedies. Thank you.
I hear you! As we get older, we're very likely to be on meds for something or another. I have found that my BP meds can be especially problematic for "dizziness and light headedness", both of which contribute to falls.
Will, you are amazing! You are so succinct and what you say makes so much sense. My walking has improved significantly since I started including your exercises in my routine. Thanks!
Will Harlow you are this Canadian gals dream, listen to you every day have done most of your videos and enjoy them very much have really helped me a lot thank you from the bottom of this almost 76 year old heart 1 Canadian gal
When you are younger you take walking for granted.As you get older you you cant do that,you have to remember to walk properly.Your balance is off,so you have to take walking seriously.At 64 I like your videos
Yup😳 just turned 70 and try to be far more sensible when walking, I find my brain works quicker than my legs. As someone once said when asked what was the secret of getting old, DON'T FALL
Yes! I see so much advice about practising balance to avoid falls when the real main problem is as you describe. I tend to trip. As I am strong I catch myself and don’t fall. I thought about it and realised my right toe didn’t lift much. I practice the toe movement when I watch the tv at night now. Having tight calves makes you foot tighter to and the hips also influence how we use our feet. It’s all related.
That's a great time to practice the movement! And definitely - a lot of our functions are heavily interconnected and it's important to understand where the problems are stemming from.
I should also point to 2 other problems with walking that easly can lead to falls : Flat feet...diminished ability to transfer motion from heel to.big toe. Disfigured and overlaping toes due to weak foot joints Both impair the gait SIGNIFICANTLY .and make you shlopping rather than walking... shuffling your feet instead of bouncing. My friend suffers from both problems and she just fell on her driveway last week " for no apparent reason"...as she said.
My husband is 77 and has had many falls. My advice to others who fall…….if your therapist gives you exercises for balance, do them. Do not ignore them. If you tell your doctor you can walk two miles……one time only does not count. When I am vacuuming, stay away from the vacuum. You know you do not have good balance and may fall. If there is an animal, trash, a blanket, a package or anything else in your path, go around or go another way. Do not take chances!!!
Yes, we have a rule in our house to never leave something on the floor or out of place. We are also lucky to have a dog that will pee on anything left on the floor so that is extra incentive to keep the floor empty.
Couple of points: mobilising big toe, very good, so long as you can reach your feet. Unfortunately I have OA in lower spine. Also B/hips THR and R/knee TKR with revision that has left me with only 30 degrees of motion. The revision to my L hip also leaves me with reduced extension. I fall mainly because the knee prevents me from correcting my stance quickly enough. I’m 77 and walk 10,000 steps a day. When l fall I can’t get up without help simply because I need to get my L/leg under my body and without the ability to extend the hip on the left plus the inability to flex my knee on the right…… well you get the picture. I use a stick and always hope I fall close to a tree or similar to use as a lever. My upper body strength is good enough. My calf strength is good. Conclusion, it’s not always as simple as strengthening muscles, as you get older there are often multiple factors that stop old geezers from enjoying themselves. So far my many falls have not landed me in trouble. Main thing is to adapt with what you’ve got! 😳
I just found you! I have started having a few falls. I especially lose balance when turning. Listening to you, I seem to have both issues. Doctors have encouraged me to exercise, but I was unsure where to start. I can't wait to try these.
For that second cause: is the big toe mobilization effective when full covering shoes are worn - is the slip mitigated when the toes are constrained by a stiffer shoe cap? I can certainly see the benefit in the home or back yard/garden (mostly home bound seniors) if no or minimal foot covering is used - bare feet, socks only, flipflops, slippers or sandals and slip in low rise boots for outdoors - where the toes are essentially fully flexible. In that study was one of the higher slip, trip, fall risks the friendly smaller pet winding about legs or having to avoid their swishing tails when they lay about floors carpets and stair and door ways?
I'm 84, and have both problems in my left leg. Caused by permanent nerve damage due to back problems. It's been over a decade, and pt hasn't helped. I am aware of the danger, and am very careful.
81 years old . By coincidence had three bad falls this last year breaking 2 front ribs , leg and crushing one back rib. 11 months in hospital and bed and now I can start walking. If I had had your pod a year ago perhaps my “golden years " could have been easier. Thank you !
I have big toe osteoarthritis after a hour walking find it very painful to walk. My walking speed needs to be slow otherwise it’s painful. Will give the flexion exercises a go.
Thank you so much for this info. I'm good w/the calf strength, but quite limited in the large-toe movement in the right foot. I would never have noticed the immobility were it not for your video, now I can consciously work on that area. I am grateful for the knowledge you share with us.. I wish you much happiness.
I have have become very conscious of walking heel toe and have saved myself from falls. Thank you so much for your videos, I have learnt so much. I am now 81 and practice your exercises every day especially the balance ones
Another key problem is the loss of fast twitch muscle with ageing. Unless regular exercise is maintained, the fast twitch decays progressively resulting in only slow twitch fibers which despite having reasonable strength, are very slow to respond. This is why a lot of elderly people move in slow motion regardless of mental acuity. The slow muscle response makes catching a trip or stumble almost impossible. Better to use it than lose it.
Thank you for recognizing older bodies' needs are different. Young people can't appreciate the subtle changes that create problems. (I know I definitely didn't. I'm 76.).
Thanks, Will. You're a life(hip?) Saver . I see PT for knee and hip arthritis and chondromalacia patella AND IT band syndrome. I think he might be getting tired of hearing "Will says" lol. Not really, he's never disagreed with you 😊
Thank you for consulting your PT regarding my advice to make sure it's right for you - it's great to hear he's agreed with what I've advised! Wishing you all the best :)
This is the 1st video of yours I have seen. I was especially interested in the calf exercises since they seem to be advanced versions of some I'm already doing. I have been going to PT for several weeks now to improve my leg strength so that I can get up the steep stairs on buses. I am going to Alaska for 14 days and will be traveling by tour bus a lot. I don't have any steep stairs at home to practice on, even if it were safe to do so alone. I am now able to step up on a tall box and then step down from it going forward. The box is 16 inches high and 20 inches wide. I hold on to parallel bars while doing this. Many times, I put half or more of my weight on my arms as I climb up. I do have osteoarthritis in both my hips (confirmed by x-rays) and my PCM and I suspect I also have it in my shoulders and knees. I subscribed to your channel after watching this video and reading many of the comments.
I'm a below the knee amputee who's fitness levels have taken a hit over the last two years especially. I have limited movement in my remaining foot including some loss of feeling in my foot and right leg. I was in a motorcycle incident in 2017. I cannot walk for more than a few yards before my lower back pain means I have to sit or lean against something like a wall or fence if outside. I had regular one to one Physiotherapy from 2019 until mid-2022 when a house move meant I was too far away from this private rehabilitation centre in Greater Manchester. All in all, my mood is very low now as I cannot do basic tasks without becoming exhausted...such as washing the car or jobs around the home. I'm a 61 year old Man who previously did a very physical job and led a very active social life. Great video. Thank you.
Hi there - I'm so sorry to hear about your accident, your resulting injury, and the impact it has had. Are there any rehabilitation centres which are closer to where you now live? There should also be help which can be accessed through the health services to support you if you are struggling with your daily tasks. I'm wishing you all the very best. I hope there are some videos on my channel which can offer guidance during this time.
@HT-Physio Thank you Will. There is Dorset Orthopaedic who are part of Pace Rehabilitation (now called Dorset Orthopaedic) are almost 3 hours away from me. I'm going there in July for a check on my prosthesis. I'm visiting a family member in Dorset that day. I'm in North Devon. I guess my reluctance to go to the NHS is that from 2017 after my 5 months in hospital, because of the terrible lack of funding for Physiotherapy for amputees, I basically sat in a wheelchair most of the time. I didn't actually wear a prosthesis that didn't hurt me until the Spring of 2021 after I'd undergone a third operation on my stump. Since then I have made steady progress but now that has ceased. I'll check out your other videos. Best wishes. Paul.
After total replacement I am much more susceptible to falling.AND because my range is less than 90 I simply can’t run it out or catch myself to prevent a fall. Thanks Doc
Thank you So Much! I can see that I have both issues that you described and will do these exercises. About a year ago my left calf gave out while starting to go down stairs and I fell and broke the left ankle and required surgery. In trying to figure out what happened, I knew that it just felt as though my calf gave out while starting to desend the stairs. I am 66 . I am so Thankful to have a confirmation that this does occur! I was so puzzled about why it happened ? I will do the heel lifts to strengthen my calfs. Thank you! No therapist have really explained this to me.😊👍👍👍
I'm really enjoying your videos. I feel like you are validating what I am teaching in my chair based yoga classes. I try to challenge the balance so we do standing work also, and I'm instinctively doing these exercises every session.
The last two times I felt was that I felt over my rollator. First time it blocked on a gutter. The second time, I was reaching over the rollator. My big toe is the source of several falls in the past. Because I start every step with my toe lifted, and it got struck in a pipe of my trousers. So the opposite of today’s problem.
Best thing is to be trained as a ballet dancer Will or as a Flamenco dancer, aye? Thanks for the tips. I'm toe and heel flexing every day now. Any sleep position tips? My right arm is so arthritic now and I sleep with a pillow between my knees on my right hand side . Any general bed positions so as to greet a less painful day/night? Thanks! 😮
I had my first fall around 64, tripping on a bad sidewalk. I was mostly surprised how slow my reflexes were, unable to get my hand up in time to break my fall. (I used my face instead, and it put me out of action for about a week.) I'm 73 soon, and walk every day. . .carefully.
I'm sorry to hear about your fall, that must have been very painful! Great work with all the walking you do - slow and steady is definitely the best way to prevent injury :)
I read that your prescription can be checked to see if your Glasses prescription may be wrong, and that may be contributing to Dizziness, unstable walking, etc. Remember to ask about that issue when at the Eye Doctor or Optometrist!
Thank you for this information. I’m wondering if these might also help me with painful charley-horses in my toes, and shin and calf areas at night. Typically on the right side after I’ve driven my car a lot that day.
Excellent advice, and obviously a very dedicated Physiotherapist in helping the older generation Into keeping fitter in advancing years ,Thank you so much for your dedication to your profession.
Great information. I do have a suggestion, thought. I noticed that you mentioned that there were two reason four times before getting into the what the research showed. I don’t think you need to repeat yourself so much, in fact, it’s been shown that the more you repeat, the less attention is paid to what you say because they figure you’ll repeat what you said anyway.
Thanjks for those two tips. I find it difficult to raise both hills off the ground at the same time. I can do one on its own - so I will try bending back my big toe.
Thankyou, met a friend who fell on the pavement.Her teeth cut into her lip and she had to have 5 stitches inner mouth and 5 on top of her lip,besides all the bruises.I was looking for just some exercises to help prevent falling,when I saw your video.Shall follow your instructions
Question: I'm 60, pretty fit and active with a lot of hiking. However, my right foot has a small bunion on the great toe and I notice I can't pull the toe back as easily for this exercise as you show. The joint does not seem to have the same flexibility as my other great toe. Do bunions increase risk of fall?
Bless You, Sir, very informative. I like your video. Very clear and easy to understand. I am 74 still doing renovation business.. Getting a friend a buy your book for me. . From Malaysia.
Great tips for a number of my family members! Can you post a link to the study you mentioned? Or at least the exact title so that I can take a look at it? Thank you!
I did some extensive research into falling and found many falls happened after leaving Pubs.
How true.
My laugh for the day, Thank You!
😂 Good one 👍
😂
Oh really
At 80 and after having two falls, I remember to think heel, toe, lift while out walking. Love, love, love your videos. Thanks. I have learned so much!!
Great work! I'm sorry to hear about your falls, but I hope the tips help to prevent any further incidents - I'm so pleased my videos have helped!
Thanks a lot. Now I can start doing that.
Good onya mate😉
Iam 90 and have only fallen over 3 or 4 timer in my life
Just watched your video on mobilising the big toe . I have advanced arthritis in my big toe I do keep triping now I know why but it's very stiff can you advice me on something else?
Weak calves! Loss of Big Toe extension! Thanks for this today🙏🏻☀️
Happy to help!
Nearly 70 and I have noticed my calves atrophying, and my right big toe has gotten very stiff over the past year. I walk two border collies and a standard poodle around 5 miles every day. Shoes/boots with laces make my toe hurt worse. I haven't had a falling problem, but I will start on these exercises to avoid a future fall. THANK YOU for this video!
You might also think about using Vibram Fivefingers shoes. That's what I wear, and they keep me strong and flexible.
You may want to see a neurologist.
I’m 73, live in Mexico and love your videos. Thank you very much.
Very happy to be of service!
Same here (65, 44 here)!! Saludos! 🤗🇲🇽
I find this very interesting. I just hit the 65+ mark and for the past couple of years I have found myself a bit “light on my feet” as this guy explains it. When having this conversation with my doctor, the doc recommended physical therapy. I thought the doc was nuts and couldn’t believe how physical therapy was going to fix my light headedness. After watching this video, it all makes sense. I am going to revisit this idea and try these exercises.
Living in a high-rise, I walk down the stairs, but, when I take the elevator up, I do heel raises if no one else is in the elevator.
Great work!
I think it would be good for others to see you doing heel raises in the elevator. You can be a role model 😀
You can get a lot if exercise time in waiting in line at the store. Just don't lean over to grab a candy bar for balance. 😂
Great tip!
Yes... good advice...I do toe raises and practice shifting weight from foot to foot and on different parks of the feet...and now ignore the candy bars too!
It won't help people like me. All shopping is online, only exercise is opening front door and bringing items indoors
Exercise of choice is gardening, also walking my Bull Mastiff...
I’m in the hospital now from a massive fall - a lot of damage. I have no calves and no range of toe motion. If I had seen this video before, I would have done the exercises and maybe avoid the situation I’m in now.
I learn something every time I watch your videos. So very helpful! Thank you.
It's great to hear you find them so informative, thank you!
Big toe extension ! I'm 64 , work in health care and walk to and from work daily ( about 70 minutes daily ) I also spend hours on my feet at work . I have a congenital deformity of my big toes . Now I understand why I have been tripping up a bit over the last few years . Thank You so much for this advice . ❤
I have had some falls in the last couple of years (without tripping over anything in particular),
One part of this is that I need to be able to bend my feet the way as you demonstrate in the video.
I am going to start applying this ASAP.
Thanks so much!
I hope it proves beneficial to prevent further falls for you - wishing you all the best :)
I just want to take a minute out to thank you for your work and for helping all of us older folks. I can't tell you how much of a difference you've made. Good on you.
An unexpected benefit occurred after starting a ketogenic diet and eliminating all vegetable oils 20 months ago was the remission of arthritis. Another surprise was my eye floaters had disappeared. Food for thought
Did you exclude olive oil, also?
Absolute rubbish. Seriously, information like this is potentially harmful, if anyone falls for such STUPID misinformation, and reported as such.
@@Bearwithme560 What are you referring to? I went to your site and there is absolutely nothing on it! I'm taking you for a troll unless you prove otherwise.
@@patriciathomas7549 not initially just grain based oils, however I have eliminated all plant based foods due to lipid mimicry which can be taken into cells but degrade function. Hope this helps
@@patriciathomas7549 appears the admins deleted my previous reply to you… to answer your question. Yes, I exclude any plant oils now although initially, I did not and used avocado or olive oil and then learned about lipid mimicry from plant oils, Which renders animal cells functions inert.
I'm 70 and I've fallen a few times (but not injured). In my case, I lost my footing near the bottom of my carpeted stairs due to my bi-focal glasses tricking my eyes. To avoid that, I make myself slow down and be more deliberate with where I'm focusing my eyes and placing my feet.
Hi Greg, yes, and I keep doing my strengthening exercises because apparently that really help you to fall less.
Thanks for pointing this out. I'm 75 but thankfully I walk and bicycle A LOT.
I walk fast, around 6 km/hr (4 miles per hr). In the winter months I walk for twenty five minutes at least 3 times per week (so close to one and a half miles) and an hour once or twice a week (around 4 miles). So my calf muscles and my 'big toe extensions' are just fine.
In the summer I generally do three fast 25 min walks a week plus two bike rides of around 30 km per week (20 miles). Takes me around one and a half hours per ride.
My one issue is I don't do NEARLY enough upper body exercise. Cycling is pretty good for that, surprisingly. But I do little during the winter months.
I have weights, but I rarely get round to using them. So I really feel it when I start cleaning up the garden and pond in the spring.
I’m 81 and have only fallen once in the past 5 years. (Tripped over a box I was packing). I had a friend (87) who insisted on wearing old sandals, she fell & broke both femurs. She never recovered. I wear substantial shoes and pay attention to my surroundings. Also, I see so many older people shuffle when the walk.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THE TIPS TO KEEP US
UP ON OUR FEET AND
WALKING! ☺️🇺🇸♥️🍀🎉🎉🎉
Very pleased to be able to help!
Thank you. It’s usually the most basic and most simple that are the most helpful. Tai Chi fall prevention classes have been a real blessing and eye opener.
That is why I climb and hike hills and mountains. My bones and muscles stay strong.
Now, at the ripe young age of 71, I began having trouble telling vertical. A good ear cleaning and no problem afterward.
This was much better than I expected. I thought there would only be mention of the occasions during which falls occur, e.g. climbing stairs, heavy lifting such as laundry, or getting into or out of baths, not the actual underlying causes and useful remedies. Thank you.
Medication made my bp drop and I fell breaking 3 bones in my ankle. Long recovery in a cast then wheel chair
I hear you! As we get older, we're very likely to be on meds for something or another. I have found that my BP meds can be especially problematic for "dizziness and light headedness", both of which contribute to falls.
Will, you are amazing! You are so succinct and what you say makes so much sense. My walking has improved significantly since I started including your exercises in my routine. Thanks!
Wow thanks dude, needed that.
Will Harlow you are this Canadian gals dream, listen to you every day have done most of your videos and enjoy them very much have really helped me a lot thank you from the bottom of this almost 76 year old heart
1 Canadian gal
So pleased my work has been so helpful, well done for all the work you've put in! Wishing you all the best and keep it up :)
When you are younger you take walking for granted.As you get older you you cant do that,you have to remember to walk properly.Your balance is off,so you have to take walking seriously.At 64 I like your videos
Exercise will counteract walking problems in older people.
Yup😳 just turned 70 and try to be far more sensible when walking, I find my brain works quicker than my legs. As someone once said when asked what was the secret of getting old, DON'T FALL
I don't have any problems with walking even though I'm an older adult. If you stay fit you should be fine.
Yes! I see so much advice about practising balance to avoid falls when the real main problem is as you describe. I tend to trip. As I am strong I catch myself and don’t fall. I thought about it and realised my right toe didn’t lift much. I practice the toe movement when I watch the tv at night now.
Having tight calves makes you foot tighter to and the hips also influence how we use our feet. It’s all related.
That's a great time to practice the movement! And definitely - a lot of our functions are heavily interconnected and it's important to understand where the problems are stemming from.
I should also point to 2 other problems with walking that easly can lead to falls :
Flat feet...diminished ability to transfer motion from heel to.big toe.
Disfigured and overlaping toes due to weak foot joints
Both impair the gait SIGNIFICANTLY
.and make you shlopping rather than walking...
shuffling your feet instead of bouncing.
My friend suffers from both problems and she just fell on her driveway last week " for no apparent reason"...as she said.
My husband is 77 and has had many falls.
My advice to others who fall…….if your therapist gives you exercises for balance, do them. Do not ignore them. If you tell your doctor you can walk two miles……one time only does not count. When I am vacuuming, stay away from the vacuum. You know you do not have good balance and may fall. If there is an animal, trash, a blanket, a package or anything else in your path, go around or go another way. Do not take chances!!!
Yes, we have a rule in our house to never leave something on the floor or out of place. We are also lucky to have a dog that will pee on anything left on the floor so that is extra incentive to keep the floor empty.
Couple of points: mobilising big toe, very good, so long as you can reach your feet. Unfortunately I have OA in lower spine. Also B/hips THR and R/knee TKR with revision that has left me with only 30 degrees of motion. The revision to my L hip also leaves me with reduced extension. I fall mainly because the knee prevents me from correcting my stance quickly enough. I’m 77 and walk 10,000 steps a day. When l fall I can’t get up without help simply because I need to get my L/leg under my body and without the ability to extend the hip on the left plus the inability to flex my knee on the right…… well you get the picture. I use a stick and always hope I fall close to a tree or similar to use as a lever. My upper body strength is good enough. My calf strength is good. Conclusion, it’s not always as simple as strengthening muscles, as you get older there are often multiple factors that stop old geezers from enjoying themselves. So far my many falls have not landed me in trouble. Main thing is to adapt with what you’ve got! 😳
This is precisely my problem and the exact solution I need. Well done.
So pleased my video came at the right time for you!
I just found you! I have started having a few falls. I especially lose balance when turning. Listening to you, I seem to have both issues. Doctors have encouraged me to exercise, but I was unsure where to start. I can't wait to try these.
For that second cause: is the big toe mobilization effective when full covering shoes are worn - is the slip mitigated when the toes are constrained by a stiffer shoe cap? I can certainly see the benefit in the home or back yard/garden (mostly home bound seniors) if no or minimal foot covering is used - bare feet, socks only, flipflops, slippers or sandals and slip in low rise boots for outdoors - where the toes are essentially fully flexible.
In that study was one of the higher slip, trip, fall risks the friendly smaller pet winding about legs or having to avoid their swishing tails when they lay about floors carpets and stair and door ways?
I'm 84, and have both problems in my left leg. Caused by permanent nerve damage due to back problems. It's been over a decade, and pt hasn't helped. I am aware of the danger, and am very careful.
81 years old . By coincidence had three bad falls this last year breaking 2 front ribs , leg and crushing one back rib. 11 months in hospital and bed and now I can start walking. If I had had your pod a year ago perhaps my “golden years " could have been easier. Thank you !
So easy to fo Will, explained with such good will to help, we owe you a lot...
I just appreciate your support in commenting on, and watching, my videos - thank you :)
I have big toe osteoarthritis after a hour walking find it very painful to walk. My walking speed needs to be slow otherwise it’s painful. Will give the flexion exercises a go.
I'm sorry to hear that walking has become painful for you - I hope my tips are able to help :)
Bones are fused in both my feet - big toes/metatarsals
Finding many of your exercise extremely helpful.
So pleased my exercises have been helpful!
Thank you so much for this info. I'm good w/the calf strength, but quite limited in the large-toe movement in the right foot. I would never have noticed the immobility were it not for your video, now I can consciously work on that area. I am grateful for the knowledge you share with us.. I wish you much happiness.
I never had falls until my latest stroke. My legs were majorly messed up; the exercises you list are totally impossible with my right leg.
I have have become very conscious of walking heel toe and have saved myself from falls. Thank you so much for your videos, I have learnt so much. I am now 81 and practice your exercises every day especially the balance ones
Well done on taking the measures to protect yourself from injury! Keep up the fantastic work :)
Thank you! I shall do these every day
Another key problem is the loss of fast twitch muscle with ageing. Unless regular exercise is maintained, the fast twitch decays progressively resulting in only slow twitch fibers which despite having reasonable strength, are very slow to respond. This is why a lot of elderly people move in slow motion regardless of mental acuity. The slow muscle response makes catching a trip or stumble almost impossible. Better to use it than lose it.
Thank you for recognizing older bodies' needs are different. Young people can't appreciate the subtle changes that create problems. (I know I definitely didn't. I'm 76.).
Thanks, Will. You're a life(hip?) Saver . I see PT for knee and hip arthritis and chondromalacia patella AND IT band syndrome. I think he might be getting tired of hearing "Will says" lol. Not really, he's never disagreed with you 😊
Thank you for consulting your PT regarding my advice to make sure it's right for you - it's great to hear he's agreed with what I've advised! Wishing you all the best :)
Thank you Will this will be very helpful! ❤
So pleased it can help!
Terrific information ... and I'm very glad to see printed words in your description. You explain things quite well!
Thank you so pleased you found my video informational!
Thank you for the helpful tips.
Well done, Will. Easily-doable exercises. Thank you.
You're very welcome :)
This is the 1st video of yours I have seen. I was especially interested in the calf exercises since they seem to be advanced versions of some I'm already doing.
I have been going to PT for several weeks now to improve my leg strength so that I can get up the steep stairs on buses. I am going to Alaska for 14 days and will be traveling by tour bus a lot.
I don't have any steep stairs at home to practice on, even if it were safe to do so alone.
I am now able to step up on a tall box and then step down from it going forward. The box is 16 inches high and 20 inches wide. I hold on to parallel bars while doing this. Many times, I put half or more of my weight on my arms as I climb up.
I do have osteoarthritis in both my hips (confirmed by x-rays) and my PCM and I suspect I also have it in my shoulders and knees.
I subscribed to your channel after watching this video and reading many of the comments.
I learned this by practicing mindful walking. I used to stumble because my left foot dragged sometimes. Thank you.
Great work!
80 yrs here, 7 falls in one year, what fun!!
I'm a below the knee amputee who's fitness levels have taken a hit over the last two years especially. I have limited movement in my remaining foot including some loss of feeling in my foot and right leg. I was in a motorcycle incident in 2017. I cannot walk for more than a few yards before my lower back pain means I have to sit or lean against something like a wall or fence if outside. I had regular one to one Physiotherapy from 2019 until mid-2022 when a house move meant I was too far away from this private rehabilitation centre in Greater Manchester. All in all, my mood is very low now as I cannot do basic tasks without becoming exhausted...such as washing the car or jobs around the home. I'm a 61 year old Man who previously did a very physical job and led a very active social life. Great video. Thank you.
Hi there - I'm so sorry to hear about your accident, your resulting injury, and the impact it has had. Are there any rehabilitation centres which are closer to where you now live? There should also be help which can be accessed through the health services to support you if you are struggling with your daily tasks. I'm wishing you all the very best. I hope there are some videos on my channel which can offer guidance during this time.
@HT-Physio Thank you Will. There is Dorset Orthopaedic who are part of Pace Rehabilitation (now called Dorset Orthopaedic) are almost 3 hours away from me. I'm going there in July for a check on my prosthesis. I'm visiting a family member in Dorset that day. I'm in North Devon. I guess my reluctance to go to the NHS is that from 2017 after my 5 months in hospital, because of the terrible lack of funding for Physiotherapy for amputees, I basically sat in a wheelchair most of the time. I didn't actually wear a prosthesis that didn't hurt me until the Spring of 2021 after I'd undergone a third operation on my stump. Since then I have made steady progress but now that has ceased. I'll check out your other videos. Best wishes. Paul.
Excellent and helpful video! I liked how you gave us a lot of info in a short amount of time.
Very good and an intuitive problem/ solution!
Thank you!
After total replacement I am much more susceptible to falling.AND because my range is less than 90 I simply can’t run it out or catch myself to prevent a fall. Thanks Doc
Great video mant thanks
I have a third one I call "ankle goodbye". But seriously the big toe thing is great advice I didn't realize mine was stiff until this video.
Thank you So Much! I can see that I have both issues that you described and will do these exercises. About a year ago my left calf gave out while starting to go down stairs and I fell and broke the left ankle and required surgery. In trying to figure out what happened, I knew that it just felt as though my calf gave out while starting to desend the stairs. I am 66 . I am so Thankful to have a confirmation that this does occur! I was so puzzled about why it happened ? I will do the heel lifts to strengthen my calfs. Thank you! No therapist have really explained this to me.😊👍👍👍
So happy to have come across your Channel! I am your newest Sub, & look forward to watching many more videos.
I'm pleased you came across my channel too - thank you for subscribing, I hope you continue to find my videos useful!
I'm really enjoying your videos. I feel like you are validating what I am teaching in my chair based yoga classes. I try to challenge the balance so we do standing work also, and I'm instinctively doing these exercises every session.
Will, your videos are wonderful! I love how you explain why and what you're doing, and demonstrate everything thoroughly.
Thank you very much for this informative video. Much appreciated. From Sydney Australia 🇦🇺
Very happy to be of assistance - sending best wishes to you in Sydney :)
Thanks it is a great video with very clear explanation and demonstrations!
Thanks. Having balance problems now at age 77. No falls thankfully.
That is sweet and thank you for sharing. Apple you are a great mom.
Excellent. Thanks Will
My pleasure!
Thank you! I will be doing these
exercises from now on!💛💛💛
I hope they prove beneficial!
Great information! Thanks so much for sharing this valuable information.
My pleasure!
The last two times I felt was that I felt over my rollator. First time it blocked on a gutter. The second time, I was reaching over the rollator.
My big toe is the source of several falls in the past. Because I start every step with my toe lifted, and it got struck in a pipe of my trousers. So the opposite of today’s problem.
Rollator=walker (had to look it up). I saw a TH-cam that they can cause falls, like when you try to swing it around to go the other way,
Best thing is to be trained as a ballet dancer Will or as a Flamenco dancer, aye? Thanks for the tips. I'm toe and heel flexing every day now. Any sleep position tips? My right arm is so arthritic now and I sleep with a pillow between my knees on my right hand side . Any general bed positions so as to greet a less painful day/night? Thanks! 😮
Thank you for that advice. I understand more about falls and balance. Very helpful.I will do these everyday!
You are so welcome, so pleased it was educational!
I am a stroke survivor. 2 years after and I still cannot do these exercises. thank you though
Distraction is a big cause! focus is super important as you age!
I had my first fall around 64, tripping on a bad sidewalk. I was mostly surprised how slow my reflexes were, unable to get my hand up in time to break my fall. (I used my face instead, and it put me out of action for about a week.) I'm 73 soon, and walk every day. . .carefully.
I'm sorry to hear about your fall, that must have been very painful! Great work with all the walking you do - slow and steady is definitely the best way to prevent injury :)
I read that your prescription can be checked to see if your Glasses prescription may be wrong, and that may be contributing to Dizziness, unstable walking, etc. Remember to ask about that issue when at the Eye Doctor or Optometrist!
Thank you for this information. I’m wondering if these might also help me with painful charley-horses in my toes, and shin and calf areas at night. Typically on the right side after I’ve driven my car a lot that day.
Excellent advice, and obviously a very dedicated Physiotherapist in helping the older generation Into keeping fitter in advancing years ,Thank you so much for your dedication to your profession.
I'm just pleased I have the opportunity to share my work with others - it's great to know so many people can benefit from them!
Great information. I do have a suggestion, thought. I noticed that you mentioned that there were two reason four times before getting into the what the research showed. I don’t think you need to repeat yourself so much, in fact, it’s been shown that the more you repeat, the less attention is paid to what you say because they figure you’ll repeat what you said anyway.
I've been diagnosed with arthritis in my big toe. Will that lead to falling problems in the future?
Don’t wear any pants that have a flare. Wear straight legged pans. My foot would get in my pants and I’d have a fall. What you wear is important .
Thanjks for those two tips. I find it difficult to raise both hills off the ground at the same time. I can do one on its own - so I will try bending back my big toe.
Brilliant!! Thank you. 😊
Happy to help :)
Your videos are too good Thanks I watch every day
So glad you like them, thank you for watching!
Thank you very much for the info. although I walk a lot I now notice I suffer from big stiffness due to arthritis. Thank you very much.
You're very welcome, I hope it proves beneficial to help with your stiffness!
Thankyou, met a friend who fell on the pavement.Her teeth cut into her lip and she had to have 5 stitches inner mouth and 5 on top of her lip,besides all the bruises.I was looking for just some exercises to help prevent falling,when I saw your video.Shall follow your instructions
I'm sorry to hear about your friend's fall, that must have been very painful! I hope my video can offer support to prevent future injury :)
Thank you very much I actually learned something! I'll give some of these exercises a try although I'm only 64.
So pleased you found my video educational! I hope the exercises prove beneficial :)
Thank you, i will try these. I have a great deal of pain in my thighs (i can't sit down properly)
Great tip. I justamente received your book in Rio, Brasil. Outstanding
Thank you for purchasing my book, I hope you find it packed full of interesting and useful content! 😃
Thank you I will certainly include these in my daily routine, can I ask is there any particular type of shoe that is better for walking in?
I thought it might be because of throw rugs and lack of night lights.
Question: I'm 60, pretty fit and active with a lot of hiking. However, my right foot has a small bunion on the great toe and I notice I can't pull the toe back as easily for this exercise as you show. The joint does not seem to have the same flexibility as my other great toe. Do bunions increase risk of fall?
Any problem on big toe extension in presence of severe bunion?
Bless You, Sir, very informative. I like your video. Very clear and easy to understand. I am 74 still doing renovation business.. Getting a friend a buy your book for me. . From Malaysia.
I find stretching my leg like that gives me cramp.
Great info, I can really use this exercise.
Great to hear!
THANK YOU
You're very welcome :)
Thank you for this help. I am incorporating your tips and do feel safer walking even on uneven ground.
I'm so pleased they've helped you to feel safer!
I found your video entertaining and informative.
Great tips for a number of my family members! Can you post a link to the study you mentioned? Or at least the exact title so that I can take a look at it? Thank you!
Sure! Here it is: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34004591/