As we age, we experience a decrease in flexibility, balance, strength, and senses. Many factors can cause a fall. The more risk factors you have, the greater your risk of falling. Foot-related problems may increase the risk of falls in older adults.
Foot problems can cause you to lose your balance and make you feel unstable on your feet. This can put you at a greater risk of falling. There are a number of risk factors for falls which can also make it more difficult to exercise and keep active, which is especially important if you are already unsteady on your feet because of weak muscles or poor balance.
Foot Risk Factors for falls include:
• Difficulty walking
• Arthritis
• Foot Pain
• Decrease in muscle strength in the feet & legs
• Toe deformity
• Decreased range of motion in the joints of the foot
• Gait and balance impairment
• Wearing inappropriate footwear that is poorly fitted
• Bunions
• Ingrown or thick nails
Prevention
Prevention of falls is about recognising, and where possible, taking action to reduce the risk. A few helpful tips to help you avoid falls because of foot problems include;
• Maintaining your general foot health care
• Wearing appropriate fitting footwear that fully supports your feet
• Using mobility aids if required
• Keeping your feet clean & have a proper nail care routine
• Doing daily foot and ankle strengthening exercises
How can podiatrists help?
If you have had a fall or feel at risk of experiencing a fall, a Podiatrist can help in a number of ways. Our Podiatrists can identify and manage underlying biomechanical and gait issues, assess and treat foot and leg pain, recommend appropriate footwear, prescribe orthotics and prescribe exercise programs to increase muscle strength & improve balance.
If you are suffering from foot pain, poor balance, have a history of falls or suspect you are at risk of having a fall, book an appointment with one of our Podiatrists to address this issue.
