I’m getting very depressed because I keep falling. I’ve fallen four times in the last few months. One of the falls left a bruise on my leg and I couldn’t walk for five days. My doctor keeps warning me that I’m going to break something with one of these falls. I’m 70 years old; I can’t afford to break any bones. What am I supposed to do?
J.G. from Bryan

I am 60 years old and work as a waitress. Over the past couple of months, I have noticed pain in both of my heels, especially when I first get up in the morning. It is also painful when I am working and I am having trouble getting through my shifts. What is the cause of my pain and how can it be relieved?

I have been hibernating this winter and eating too much. The result is an extra 10 pounds. I was already overweight and out of shape and now I feel it is going to be too hard to start and stick with a program. Can you give me some advice, I haven’t been active for a while and I don’t want to injure myself which will just slow me down.
D.B. of Bryan.
 

 A note from our Physical Therapists. Click here to read more.

Over the past year, I have had increased difficulty with my balance and with general strengthening, and I was wondering if there are some tests that I can do at home, to determine if I need to see my doctor and request physical therapy.
Harry. College Station
 

I’m getting very depressed because I keep falling. I’ve fallen four times in the last few months. One of the falls left a bruise on my leg and I couldn’t walk for five days. My doctor keeps warning me that I’m going to break something with one of these falls. I’m 70 years old; I can’t afford to break any bones. What am I supposed to do?

J.G. from Bryan

I have been having a lot of pain in my lower abdomen and pelvic region for the past 2 years. I have seen several different specialists, but no one can tell me why I am having this pain. I’ve read on the internet that physical therapy (PT) may be beneficial. What can PT do to help me?

I have been suffering from constipation problems for years and have tried different medications and treatments without relief. I recently read something on the internet about treating constipation with biofeedback training of pelvic floor muscles. I’m not sure what this is or who to go to for these services. Can you help?

I am 50 years old and I have a problem of leaking urine when I sneeze or cough. I have had this problem for a few years, but it seems to be getting worse. Sometimes, I also experience a sudden, very strong urge to urinate and leak urine before I make it to the toilet. I used to play tennis 3 days a week, but have stopped because I was embarrassed by the leakage that would occur whenever I play. My doctor prescribed medication and told me to do Kegel exercises, but I don’t like taking meds and I’m not sure if I’m doing the exercises correctly. Is this just a normal part of aging? Is there anything a physical therapist can do to help?

I am 68 years old and recently had a bone scan and was diagnosed with osteoporosis. I have heard that this puts me at risk for breaking a bone, especially if I fall. Is there anything I can do to minimize the chance of falling and breaking a bone?

 Several days ago, I was diagnosed with vertigo. I’ve been miserable for weeks! My doctor says that a physical therapist may be able to help me. What causes vertigo and what is the expected recovery time?

 Exercising over 50 makes you healthier and minimizes the effects of aging. As we age, the following things can become concerns:

• Decreased Aerobic conditioning
• Reduced coordination
• Reduced bone strength
• Increased blood pressure
• Increased body fat
• Reduced muscle mass/core strength
• More susceptible to mood swings and depression
• Decreased Flexibility

 I am a middle aged woman who was recently involved in a motor vehicle accident. I was coming to a stop at a red light and another driver ran into the back of me. Since the accident, I have had headaches, severe neck pain and I’m stiff all over. My head feels very “heavy”. Can you tell me if this is related to the accident, I had a friend that said I’m suffering “whiplash”, is this true?

 I’m a grandmother and my grand-daughter had a nasty ankle sprain playing soccer this past October. She was x-rayed and told there was no fracture and that she should use crutches for two weeks. After several weeks of using crutches, a walking boot, and bracing her ankle, the team doctor, upon re-examination, indicted that my grand-daughter had a High Ankle Sprain. She did not play the rest of the soccer season. Her ankle problem has improved but she still has intermittent pain with certain movements and when walking. My question is: What is a High Ankle Sprain and why does it take so long to heal? In addition, what options do we have to insure she is getting the attention and care needed?

I am a parent of two adolescents who play sports all year long. My daughter plays soccer year round. I saw a girl on another team fall and hit her head on the ground. She was knocked out for few seconds. The girl did not play the rest of the game. I was told that the girl had a concussion. Is a concussion is serious? As a parent of two active teens what should I look for and do if my child gets hit in the head. 

 Hi, I’m 60 years old and have had back pain off and on for a number of years now. My doctor gave me exercises to do at home but I keep forgetting them and honestly I just don’t have the time to spend 30 minutes a day doing exercises. Is there a streamlined exercise program for back pain that would work for me? My doctor said my MRI indicated that I didn’t have a disc problem. I am 50 pounds overweight and as I said I don’t exercise much so I imagine I’m not in the best condition.
Danny. B. Bryan, Tx.

Hi, I’m a 63 year old male and I suffer from pain daily. I need relief from constant pain. Due to my job, I spend long hours in front of a computer or sitting at a desk reading reports. I suffer daily from neck, shoulder, and upper back pain. The pain medicine I take doesn’t seem to do the trick anymore. The pain interferes with my concentration and ability to work effectively. I’ve had two MRI’s on my neck and the reports indicate that I have disc bulges and bony changes on my spine. I’ve gone through 2 series of spinal injections and trigger-point therapy but my pain always returns. I’ve also been to a chiropractor and a physical therapist. I recently saw my doctor and was told that I might need to consider surgery at this point. Surgery scares me. Is there anything else I can try before I agree to surgery?