Fall Prevention and Balance Support

What You Need To Know

Understanding your fall risk and how podiatric care can help you stay steady.

Fall Prevention and Balance Care

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.

You should see a podiatrist if you have recently experienced a fall or feel unsteady when walking, if you have ankle weakness, foot pain, or neuropathy, if you notice changes in your gait or difficulty standing on one foot, or if you feel nervous about walking on uneven surfaces or stairs. Addressing these concerns early helps you maintain independence and prevent serious injuries, and our team can perform a thorough balance evaluation to guide your next steps.

Treatment Options for Better Balance

Podiatrists use specialized assessments to evaluate balance and stability. The Life in Balance Test is a comprehensive assessment that includes gait evaluation, postural assessment, ankle and foot strength testing, and a fall history review. Based on the results, your podiatrist can develop a personalized treatment plan to enhance stability and prevent falls.

The Moore Balance Brace (MBB) is a lightweight, custom-made ankle-foot orthosis designed to improve stability and reduce fall risk. It provides additional ankle and foot support, improves proprioception, reduces fear of falling, and is custom-fitted for comfort. Many patients who use the MBB report improved stability and a significant decrease in falls.

Custom orthotics correct foot positioning and provide arch support, absorbing shock, improving weight distribution, and enhancing foot control on various surfaces. Patients with flat feet, high arches, or pronation issues often benefit greatly from custom orthotics as part of a fall prevention plan.

Strengthening exercises also help improve muscle function in the feet, ankles, and legs. Heel-to-toe walking, single-leg stance practice, and calf raises can build strength and confidence in movement. Proper footwear with low, wide heels, non-slip soles, and firm heel support further reduces fall risk. Combined with neuropathy treatment when needed, these approaches give patients the tools to move safely and regain confidence in daily activities.