Fall Prevention and Balance Support

What You Need To Know

Understanding fall risk is the first step toward staying steady and independent.

Fall Prevention Care and Balance Testing

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. 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 Life in Balance Test is a comprehensive assessment used by podiatrists to evaluate stability, gait, and risk of falling. It includes gait evaluation to assess how a person walks, postural assessment to check for improper alignment, ankle and foot strength testing, and a fall history review. Based on the results, your podiatrist can develop a personalized treatment plan.

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, reduces fear of falling, and is easy to wear with most footwear.

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 can benefit greatly from custom orthotics.

Footwear also plays a critical role in balance. Shoes with low, wide heels, non-slip soles, firm heel support, and a proper fit help prevent slipping and ankle rolling. Strengthening exercises such as heel-to-toe walking, single-leg stances, and calf raises build confidence in movement. Schedule a balance evaluation to find the right combination of care for you.