Fall Prevention and Balance Support

What You Need to Know

How podiatry helps identify balance issues and reduce your risk of falling.

Understanding Fall Prevention 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 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, 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 have recently experienced a fall or feel unsteady when walking, have ankle weakness, foot pain, or neuropathy, notice 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 with a professional balance evaluation, you can maintain independence and prevent serious injuries.

Assessments, Braces, and Treatment Options

The Life in Balance Test is a comprehensive assessment used by podiatrists to evaluate a person’s stability, gait, and risk of falling. It includes a gait evaluation, a postural assessment, ankle and foot strength testing, and a review of your fall history. Based on the results, your podiatrist can develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.

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 ankle and foot support, improves proprioception, reduces fear of falling, and fits comfortably with most types of footwear.

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

Other helpful measures include physical therapy and balance exercises such as heel-to-toe walking, single-leg stance practice, and calf raises. Proper footwear with low, wide heels, non-slip soles, and firm heel support also plays an important role. For patients with neuropathy, targeted treatment can improve sensation and coordination. Together, these approaches give you a practical path toward steadier, more confident movement.