Fall Prevention

This guide explores the importance of fall prevention, the role of podiatry in assessing balance, and how treatments like balance braces and custom orthotics can help reduce the risk of falling.
Preventing Falls in Outdoor Spaces

Fall Prevention

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Table of Contents

Preventing Falls: How Balance Testing, Braces, and Podiatry Can Improve Stability

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.

This guide explores the importance of fall prevention, the role of podiatry in assessing balance, and how treatments like balance braces and custom orthotics can help reduce the risk of falling.

Why Fall Prevention Matters

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.

Common Causes of Falls

Several factors contribute to an increased fall risk, including:
  • Weak or unstable ankles, making it difficult to maintain balance when walking or standing
  • Neuropathy (nerve damage) that reduces sensation in the feet, increasing the likelihood of missteps
  • Poor posture and coordination due to aging or medical conditions
  • Muscle weakness that affects movement and stability
  • Side effects of medications that cause dizziness, drowsiness, or balance issues
  • Foot pain or improper footwear that increases the risk of tripping
Understanding these risk factors can help individuals take proactive steps to prevent falls before they happen.

The Role of Podiatry in Fall Prevention

Podiatrists play a key role in fall prevention by diagnosing foot and ankle conditions that may contribute to instability. A comprehensive balance evaluation can identify weaknesses or abnormalities that affect movement and coordination.

Balance Testing and the Moore Balance Brace

Podiatrists use specialized assessments and devices to evaluate balance and stability. Two of the most effective tools for fall prevention are the Life in Balance Test and the Moore Balance Brace (MBB).

Life in Balance Test: Assessing Your Fall Risk

The Life in Balance Test is a comprehensive assessment used by podiatrists to evaluate a person’s stability, gait, and risk of falling. This test is particularly useful for detecting early signs of imbalance before a fall occurs.

What Does the Life in Balance Test Include?

  • Gait evaluation to assess how a person walks and identify abnormalities
  • Postural assessment to check for improper alignment or weakness
  • Ankle and foot strength testing to measure stability and support
  • Fall history review to determine past incidents and risk factors

Based on the results of this test, a podiatrist can develop a personalized treatment plan, which may include the Moore Balance Brace, custom orthotics, physical therapy, or other interventions to enhance stability and prevent falls.

For individuals concerned about their balance or history of falls, the Moore Balance Brace and Life in Balance Test provide effective solutions for improving mobility and reducing fall risk.

Moore Balance Brace (MBB): A Proven Solution for Fall Prevention

The Moore Balance Brace 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.

Key Benefits of the Moore Balance Brace

  • Provides additional ankle and foot support to enhance stability
  • Improves proprioception, or the body’s ability to sense foot position and movement
  • Reduces fear of falling, increasing confidence while walking
  • Custom-fitted for maximum comfort and functionality
  • Lightweight and easy to wear with most types of footwear

Many patients who use the MBB report improved stability and a significant decrease in falls, making it an essential tool for those at risk.

Other Effective Treatments to Improve Balance and Prevent Falls

In addition to balance braces, podiatrists may recommend a combination of treatments to enhance stability.

Custom Orthotics for Stability

Custom orthotics are shoe inserts designed to correct foot positioning and provide arch support. Proper foot alignment can significantly improve balance and reduce strain on the ankles and legs.

How Custom Orthotics Help

  • Absorb shock and reduce foot fatigue
  • Improve weight distribution and posture
  • Enhance foot control on various surfaces
Patients with flat feet, high arches, or pronation issues can benefit greatly from custom orthotics.

Physical Therapy and Balance Exercises

Strengthening exercises help improve muscle function in the feet, ankles, and legs. A podiatrist may recommend physical therapy or at-home exercises to enhance coordination and stability.

Examples of Balance-Boosting Exercises

  • Heel-to-Toe Walk: Walking in a straight line while placing the heel directly in front of the opposite toe
  • Single-Leg Stance: Practicing standing on one leg for 10 to 30 seconds at a time
  • Calf Raises: Strengthening the calves and ankles by rising onto the toes and slowly lowering back down
Regular practice of these exercises can build strength and confidence in movement.

Proper Footwear for Fall Prevention

Shoes play a critical role in balance and stability. Wearing unsupportive footwear, such as high heels, flip-flops, or loose-fitting shoes, can increase the risk of slipping, tripping, and falling.

Recommended Features for Fall-Prevention Shoes

  • Low, wide heels for better stability
  • Non-slip soles to improve traction
  • Firm heel support to prevent ankle rolling
  • Proper fit to avoid slipping inside the shoe
A podiatrist can help determine the best footwear for each individual’s needs.

Neuropathy Treatment for Improved Sensation

Nerve damage (neuropathy) in the feet can make it difficult to detect changes in surface texture, leading to missteps and falls. Treating neuropathy with medications, nerve stimulation, and lifestyle adjustments can improve balance and coordination.

Podiatrists may also recommend moisturizing and massaging the feet regularly to stimulate circulation and nerve function.

Taking Control of Your Balance and Fall Risk

Preventing falls starts with awareness and proactive care. Whether you are experiencing mild balance issues or have already suffered a fall, consulting a podiatrist can help identify the best treatment options for improving stability and mobility.

When to See a Podiatrist for Balance Issues

  • You have recently experienced a fall or feel unsteady when walking
  • You have ankle weakness, foot pain, or neuropathy
  • You notice changes in your gait or difficulty standing on one foot
  • You feel nervous about walking on uneven surfaces or stairs

By addressing these concerns early, you can maintain independence and prevent serious injuries.

Schedule a Balance Assessment Today

Falls can have serious consequences, but they are often preventable with proper foot care and balance support. A professional balance assessment can help determine the best solutions for improving your stability, confidence, and overall foot health.

Contact our office today to schedule a balance evaluation and take the first step toward improved stability and fall prevention.

FAQs

You may be at risk of falling if you experience frequent dizziness, difficulty balancing, foot pain, or weakness in your legs or ankles. Other risk factors include neuropathy, improper footwear, and a history of previous falls. A podiatrist can perform balance testing to assess your risk and recommend appropriate treatments.
Balance braces provide extra support to stabilize the ankles and improve walking confidence. They help individuals with weak or unstable ankles, neuropathy, or muscle weakness maintain better control while walking, reducing the likelihood of falls. These braces are lightweight, comfortable, and custom-fitted to each patient’s needs.
In addition to balance braces, podiatrists may recommend custom orthotics for foot support, physical therapy exercises to strengthen muscles, proper footwear to improve traction, and neuropathy treatments to enhance sensation in the feet. These combined approaches help improve overall stability and reduce fall risk.
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.

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