What’s the Number One Foot Problem That Leads to Falls?
A fall can be a scary and serious event, especially for seniors, and it’s natural to wonder what the biggest culprits are. When we look at the role feet play in fall prevention, it’s easy to assume there’s one specific foot condition that’s the main cause. But we at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center understand that the answer is more nuanced than that. The number one risk factor isn’t a single diagnosis; it’s the combination of foot pain and the altered gait it causes. We explore this in detail below.
Pain and Altered Gait
Your body is really good at protecting itself. But sometimes, that protection has its drawbacks. For example, if you have pain in your foot, whether it’s from a bad bruise, a painful bunion, or plantar fasciitis, you will subconsciously change the way you walk to avoid putting pressure on the sensitive spot.
This altered gait, whether it be a limp, a shuffle, or a stride that favors one side, is the most immediate risk factor simply because it throws you off. Your feet are your foundation, but one that doesn’t allow for even walking is wobbly at best.
Specific Foot Conditions That Cause Falling
While pain is the primary driver, it often stems from specific foot conditions that are particularly good at messing with your stride:
- Foot Deformities: Conditions like severe bunions or hammertoes create painful pressure points and structural imbalances. This forces a person to change how they walk to avoid the pain.
- Plantar Fasciitis: This common heel pain is a classic example. The sharp pain in the heel can make you hesitate to walk normally, which often leads to a shuffling or flat-footed stride that affects balance.
- Arthritis: Pain and stiffness from arthritis in the ankle can limit your foot’s flexibility. When the foot can’t move through its natural motion, it results in yet again a shuffling gait, which is a major tripping hazard.
- Neuropathy: The loss of sensation in the feet from neuropathy prevents your brain from getting feedback from the ground (diabetics especially struggle with this). Missing a step on stairs or a rock in the grass are great examples of fall risks. Feeling comes before footing, but if you can’t feel the obstacle, you might lose the latter.
Prevention Begins with Your Feet
The key is not to ignore foot pain. A podiatrist can get to the bottom of what’s causing your discomfort, whether it’s a structural deformity, a soft tissue injury, or an underlying medical condition. More importantly, they can help correct the problem, restore a healthy gait, and get you back on a stable footing.
For more foot care facts and advice, consult Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center in Fairfax County, Virginia, about any podiatric concerns you’re facing. Set up an appointment today to find relief!
