Fall Prevention and Balance Care

What You Need To Know

How podiatric care can identify fall risk and help you stay steady on your feet.

Preventing Falls Starts With Your Feet

Falls are a serious health concern, particularly for older adults and individuals with foot and ankle conditions. Each year, millions of people suffer injuries due to falls, leading to fractures, loss of mobility, and long-term disability. Many of these falls are preventable with proper balance assessments, supportive braces, and podiatric treatments.

Falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospital visits among adults over 65, but they also affect younger individuals with balance impairments. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in four adults over 65 falls each year, and fall-related injuries account for over 3 million emergency room visits annually.

Several factors contribute to an increased fall risk, including weak or unstable ankles, neuropathy that reduces sensation in the feet, poor posture and coordination, muscle weakness, side effects of medications that cause dizziness or drowsiness, and foot pain or improper footwear that increases the risk of tripping. Understanding these risk factors can help you take proactive steps to prevent falls before they happen.

You should see a podiatrist if you have recently experienced a fall or feel unsteady when walking, have ankle weakness, foot pain, or neuropathy, notice changes in your gait or difficulty standing on one foot, or feel nervous about walking on uneven surfaces or stairs. By addressing these concerns early, you can maintain independence and prevent serious injuries.

Balance Testing and Treatment Options

The Life in Balance Test is a comprehensive assessment used by podiatrists to evaluate your stability, gait, and risk of falling. The test includes a gait evaluation to assess how you walk and identify abnormalities, a postural assessment to check for improper alignment or weakness, ankle and foot strength testing to measure stability and support, and a fall history review to determine past incidents and risk factors.

The Moore Balance Brace (MBB) is a lightweight, custom-made ankle-foot orthosis designed to improve stability and reduce fall risk. Unlike traditional braces, the MBB is specifically tailored for individuals experiencing balance issues due to weakness, neuropathy, or instability. It provides additional ankle and foot support, improves proprioception, reduces fear of falling, and is custom-fitted for comfort and functionality with most types of footwear.

Custom orthotics can further support balance by correcting foot positioning, absorbing shock, improving weight distribution, and enhancing foot control on various surfaces. Patients with flat feet, high arches, or pronation issues often benefit from this added support.

Physical therapy and at-home exercises such as heel-to-toe walking, single-leg stance holds, and calf raises help strengthen the feet, ankles, and legs. Proper footwear with low, wide heels, non-slip soles, and firm heel support also plays a critical role in stability. Whether you have mild balance concerns or a history of falls, a professional evaluation can help determine the right combination of treatments for you.