Fall Prevention and Balance Care

What You Need To Know

How podiatry helps identify fall risk factors and improve stability.

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.

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 (nerve damage) 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. Understanding these risk factors can help you take proactive steps to prevent falls before they happen.

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. A podiatrist can conduct a thorough evaluation and provide customized solutions to improve your stability and prevent future falls.

Treatments That Improve Stability

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 added ankle and foot support, improves proprioception (the body’s ability to sense foot position and movement), and helps reduce the fear of falling while walking.

The Life in Balance Test is a comprehensive assessment used by podiatrists to evaluate stability, gait, and fall risk. The test includes a gait evaluation, a postural assessment, ankle and foot strength testing, and a fall history review. Based on the results, your podiatrist can develop a personalized treatment plan that may include the Moore Balance Brace, custom orthotics, physical therapy, or other interventions.

Custom orthotics are shoe inserts designed to correct foot positioning and provide arch support. They absorb shock, improve weight distribution and posture, and enhance foot control on various surfaces. Patients with flat feet, high arches, or pronation issues often benefit greatly from custom orthotics.

Strengthening exercises such as the heel-to-toe walk, single-leg stance, and calf raises help improve muscle function in the feet, ankles, and legs. Proper footwear with low, wide heels, non-slip soles, and firm heel support also plays a critical role. With the right combination of care, many patients regain confidence in their movement and reduce their risk of future falls.