Fall Prevention and Balance Care

What You Need To Know

How podiatry helps assess fall risk and improve stability at every age.

Understanding Fall Prevention

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 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 helps 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, notice ankle weakness, foot pain, or neuropathy, see 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. Contact SoCal Foot Care to schedule a balance evaluation and learn what treatments may be right for you.

Balance Testing and Treatment Options

Podiatrists use specialized assessments to evaluate balance and stability. The Life in Balance Test is a comprehensive assessment used to evaluate a person’s stability, gait, and risk of falling. It includes a gait evaluation to identify abnormalities, a postural assessment to check for alignment or weakness, ankle and foot strength testing, 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 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 is custom-fitted to wear with most types of footwear.

Custom orthotics can also improve 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 custom orthotics.

Physical therapy and balance exercises such as heel-to-toe walking, single-leg stance practice, 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. Your podiatrist will combine these approaches into a personalized plan to help you walk with greater confidence.