Fall Prevention and Balance Care

What You Need To Know

How podiatry helps assess balance, reduce fall risk, and protect your mobility.

Fall Prevention Through Podiatric 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.

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. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospital visits among adults over 65, but they also affect younger individuals with balance impairments.

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, and foot pain or improper footwear. Understanding these risk factors can help you take proactive steps before a fall happens.

You should see a podiatrist if you frequently feel unsteady while walking, have difficulty standing on one foot, experience foot pain that affects your balance, or have already suffered a fall. Early evaluation allows our team to identify the cause of instability and build a personalized plan to keep you safely on your feet.

Treatment Options for Better Stability

The Life in Balance Test is a comprehensive assessment used by podiatrists to evaluate your stability, gait, and risk of falling. It includes gait evaluation, postural assessment, ankle and foot strength testing, and a fall history review. The results guide a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

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 fits comfortably with most types of footwear.

Custom orthotics correct foot positioning and provide arch support, helping absorb shock, improve weight distribution, and enhance foot control on various surfaces. Patients with flat feet, high arches, or pronation issues often benefit significantly from custom orthotics paired with proper footwear that includes low, wide heels, non-slip soles, and firm heel support.

Strengthening exercises also play a role. Heel-to-toe walking, single-leg stance practice, and calf raises help build muscle function in the feet, ankles, and legs. For patients with neuropathy, treatments to improve sensation and circulation can further support balance and coordination.

With the right combination of bracing, orthotics, and exercise, many patients regain confidence in their movement and significantly reduce their risk of future falls.