Our doctors don’t just treat foot pain. We help you stay on your feet. Our fall prevention consultations are designed to help older adults maintain strength, balance, and mobility, reducing the risk of serious injury and keeping you confidently active in your daily life.
Understanding the impact of falls
Falls are one of the leading causes of injury and death among adults aged 65 and older. Each year, more than 3 million older adults visit the emergency room due to fall related injuries, and falls remain the most common cause of traumatic brain injury (TBI). You can read more about the connection between falls and brain health at the CDC’s Traumatic Brain Injury resource page.
Want to know where you stand? The CDC also offers a simple, printable Fall Risk Self-Assessment to help you identify factors that may increase your risk. As always, we’re always here to review your results together as well.
Why falls happen and how we can help prevent them
As we grow older, changes in strength, balance, or vision can make us more vulnerable to falls. Common risk factors include:
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Lower body weakness
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Vitamin D deficiency
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Walking or balance difficulties
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Vision changes
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Foot pain or poor-fitting shoes
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Side effects from medications, including sedatives, sleep aids, or antidepressants
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Cluttered or unsafe home environments, such as throw rugs, poor lighting, or uneven steps
The good news? Most falls are preventable, especially when these factors are recognized early. Our podiatry team focuses on early detection, proper footwear, and tailored guidance to strengthen your stability and confidence.
Movement is medicine: Staying active for balance and strength
Staying active is one of the most powerful ways to prevent falls. Luckily, it’s never too late to start! Movement improves balance, builds strength, boosts mood, and helps you maintain independence.
Gentle, joint friendly activities like Tai Chi, stretching, or chair exercises are especially effective for older adults.
You can explore a variety of safe, free exercise routines on Fitness with Cindy’s YouTube channel, including Tai Chi and other strength training options designed to help you move with ease.
For more inspiration, visit the CDC’s Still Going Strong campaign, which celebrates the resilience and vitality of older adults who continue to live active, fulfilling lives.
The foundation of balance: Foot health and footwear
This section won’t be surprising coming from us, but your feet truly are your foundation. Every step you take begins there. When your feet are uncomfortable, unstable, or unsupported, your risk of falling increases dramatically.
Our team focuses on:
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Checking for nerve or circulation issues that affect sensation or coordination
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Addressing foot pain early, before it interferes with balance
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Recommending supportive footwear designed for your needs and activity level
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Creating orthotics customized to your feet when needed to improve stability, posture, and gait
What to look for in safe footwear:
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Low heels with firm, non-slip soles
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Shoes that fit snugly around the heel but give the toes room to move
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Adjustable straps or laces for a secure fit
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Lightweight materials that don’t add strain
Even small changes, like replacing worn shoes or choosing better insoles, can make a major difference in how stable and confident you feel when walking.
Vision and balance: Seeing clearly, moving confidently
Good vision plays a huge role in preventing falls. Even minor vision changes can affect your depth perception, making it harder to notice steps, thresholds, or clutter in your path.
Why regular eye exams matter:
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Prescription changes will sneak up gradually. Many people don’t notice how much clarity they’ve lost until it’s too late.
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Cataracts, glaucoma, and other age-related conditions can subtly limit visibility and contrast sensitivity.
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Proper eyewear ensures you can accurately judge distances and safely navigate your environment.
We encourage every patient to schedule annual eye exams and to consider brighter lighting, night lights, and contrasting colors at home to improve visibility in walkways and stairs.
Medication management: Staying balanced inside and out
Many commonly used medications, even over-the-counter ones, can cause dizziness, drowsiness, or drops in blood pressure that make falls more likely.
This is especially true for:
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Sedatives and tranquilizers
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Antidepressants
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Sleep medications
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Pain relievers and antihistamines
It’s important to review all your medications regularly with your doctor or pharmacist, especially when starting something new.
Never stop a medication suddenly, but do ask whether adjustments can be made to minimize side effects that affect your balance or alertness.
At Beyond Podiatry, we encourage an open, team-based approach to care. That means we’re ready and happy to collaborate with any and all providers on your care team or your pharmacist to make sure your medication plan supports both your health and your mobility.
Making everyday spaces safer
Small changes at home can go a long way toward preventing falls. Consider:
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Adding grab bars near the shower, tub, and toilet
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Using non-slip mats in wet areas
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Keeping frequently used items within easy reach
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Improving lighting, especially in hallways and near stairs
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Removing throw rugs and clutter
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Installing handrails on all stairways
Consider walking aids
If you’re unsure whether a walking aid like a cane or walker could help, the Fall Prevention Foundation’s guide is a great resource. Our team is always ready to assess your gait and balance to make personalized recommendations, as well.
A partnership for lifelong mobility
At Beyond Podiatry, we’re not just here to treat injuries. We’re here to prevent them. Our mission is to empower you with the knowledge, care, and confidence to stay active and independent at every stage of life.
Schedule your Fall Prevention Consultation today and take the first step toward staying steady, confident, and connected to the life you love.
