Is anyone else totally accident-prone?

I do not suffer from this (although I get mysterious bruises) however I think my hubby has difficulties at times, especially with areas injured previously. He has foot problems which cause him to stumble and/or trip on things.

You are not old enough to be in the category of elderly but a few of the items to consider which I learned about in falls prevention committees when I was still working in nursing homes and retirement communities: have good lighting, remove throw rugs, get vision checked, wear non-skid shoes or socks, wipe up spills right away, don't over reach, use a proper stepladder instead of standing on a chair to access stuff above your head, etc.

It's true that medications can affect balance and lead to accidents. I think menopause also accentuates some of these issues. Water exercise is helpful, along with having a personal trainer or physical therapist to analyze your gait and prescribe a strengthening routine. Did your PT discuss global concerns or just focus on the bum knee?

I have constant injuries on my arms and hands and legs because I have a big but young and goofy dog that I'm training for agility etc; she's fast and my reflexes are now awful. Plus even small scrapes seem to take longer to heal and leave bigger scars as my skin has really changed.

Loss of estrogen can cause a variety of small, barely noticeable problems in the body, including little small bouts of dizziness so that might be it. Estrogen also plays a huge role in joint health. It's possible that your reflexes are affected simply because your joints are literally not as responsive and have a smaller range of motion due to a decrease in estrogen.

Have you had your eyes checked? If you already wear glasses, it's possible your prescription has changed, if you don't, you might need to start.

I see physio & a RMT and find it helpful. If your physio was focused only on the knee, you might need a different physio or just go back and say you want to focus on overall strength and imbalance. I got a whole set of stretch and strengthen exercises prescribed (she sends them to an app on my phone where I can also log how many I do and if they cause me pain etc). In some offices, they have a kinesiologist who does more of the prescribed active rehab therapy exercise programs so that's another person you could seek out.

Hi gb,

Are you getting enough exercise? I personally do crunches on the exercise ball every weekday morning. This strengthens my core and improves balance. One of the challenges is not falling off, but no problem if you do as you are already next to the ground. I was surprised when I took up jogging a few years ago that I felt more confident, and I didn't think that I had a particular problem as was already hiking, skiing and cycling.

Exercise outdoors on uneven ground also helps the cause. By this, I mean a walk or slow run.

I will admit to falling over tree roots, stubbing my toe while making my bed, and assorted other mishaps. Being near 40, you might also want to get your vision checked as that is the time that vision changes start.

I do use hiking poles now. While I don't have as good balance as other cyclists, I cycle long distances. Yesterday, I did 60 miles. But even much shorter rides on flat trails help the cause. It's always interesting how I don't have great confidence when cycling season starts up. But of course, I am just fine 5 minutes into the ride. (My excuse is that I don't have good binocular vision as was born with a lazy eye and had corrective surgery when I was young.)

Part of having good balance is having strong muscles to support your knees, back, shoulders, etc. Flexibility is also key. I get this from my weights and crunches, but other women do things such as yoga.

When I was younger, I went through a period when I didn't get enough exercise, though I did a fair amount of walking. It affected me in a number of ways. Then, I got a nasty spring cold and didn't get over it right away. A bicycle changed my life..... - Claire