Steady Steps: How a Podiatrist Can Help You Avoid Falls

Falls are a leading cause of injury in people over 60

But did you know your feet can play a big role in keeping you safe and steady? A podiatrist, a foot and ankle specialist, can offer a range of interventions to assess and address fall risks.


Why Feet Matter:

Our feet are complex structures that bear all our weight during movement. Age-related changes like weaker muscles, decreased flexibility, and balance issues can affect how well your feet function. Podiatrists can identify foot problems like bunions, hammertoes, or neuropathy (nerve damage) that contribute to falls.


Podiatric Fall Prevention Strategies:

  • Footwear Assessment:  Ill-fitting shoes or those with poor traction are fall hazards. A podiatrist can recommend shoes with good arch support, a wide toe box, and non-slip soles. They may also suggest custom orthotics, shoe inserts that improve alignment and stability.
  • Foot and Ankle Exercises:  Strengthening exercises for the foot and ankle muscles can significantly improve balance and proprioception (your body's awareness of its position in space).  A podiatrist can create a personalized exercise program to target your specific needs.
  • Addressing Foot Pain:  Painful feet can lead to gait abnormalities and an increased risk of falls. Podiatrists can treat foot conditions like calluses, corns, and ingrown toenails, alleviating pain and improving mobility.
  • Callus Management:  Thick calluses can affect balance and make it harder to feel the ground. Regular callus debridement by a podiatrist can improve sensation and reduce fall risk.


A Multi-Faceted Approach:

Podiatry is most effective when combined with other fall prevention strategies. Your podiatrist can work with your doctor to address other contributing factors like medication side effects or vision problems. They can also recommend home safety modifications like installing grab bars or improving lighting.


By taking care of your feet and working with a podiatrist, you can significantly reduce your risk of falls and stay active and independent for years to come.

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A recent study shows that 1 in 5 people develop foot pain at some stage throughout their lives. This is influenced by your job, activity, and lifestyle, and the more active you are, the more likely you will develop foot pain. Fixing foot pain is what we do, so how does your Podiatrist at Sole Focus Podiatry support your sole? We have many treatment options available, and the underlying cause of your sore feet will determine the best treatment option. Footwear Advice In some cases, simple footwear advice is all that’s required, and it’s essential to make sure your footwear matches the activity and your foot type. If you’re on your feet all day, then you need a shoe that is both supportive and stable and has adequate cushioning. Suitable footwear comes with a price, but how valuable are your feet? Orthotics If you have flat feet, you may benefit from having orthotics made. When you stand, if your foot flattens and rolls inwards at the ankle too much, it places a lot of on the muscles and tendons, and this is often the source of many long-term foot and ankle problems. Shockwave Therapy If you have a typical foot type, and we’ll tell you if this is the case, yet you are still getting sore feet, you may benefit from Shockwave Therapy. Shockwave therapy delivers gentle, focused acoustic waves to the painful/damaged tissues. It is clinically proven to treat various foot and leg conditions, including heel pain, heel spurs, Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, and knee pain. Exercises Yes, suitable footwear and orthotics can help, but you need to focus on strengthening your feet so they can withstand higher forces. Our Podiatrists can curate a personalized stretching and strengthening program to help keep your feet and legs strong! Take Action Untreated foot problems can and will lead to long-term joint damage and arthritis, so putting it off now will only make things worse later. No two feet are the same, which is why our podiatrists are trained to offer various treatment options. To make an appointment with one of our experienced Podiatrists, call us on (07) 4529 7430 or book an appointment here .
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