Improving Balance To Avoid Winter Injuries

One of the most common causes of winter injuries is a slip or fall on icy conditions. While we can’t always avoid icy conditions, maintaining good balance/lower body stability is the key to avoiding injuries when you do come into contact with these conditions. While you might think that good balance is something you’re just born with, the truth is that it’s actually something that can be developed by improving the coordination and strength of the muscles in our feet, ankles, knees and hips. Interestingly enough, research has shown that individuals with better single leg balance times in their 30’s and 40’s have a greater likelihood of living longer lives (due in part to the reduced likelihood of slip and fall related injuries in later years)!

In the following video, Dr. Jason Lemieux of Physiomed Oakville demonstrates some simple exercises for strengthening the system of muscles of in our feet, ankles, knees and hips to help improve your lower body stability and avoid slip and fall related winter injuries: