A Podiatrist’s Guide to Staying Steady and Preventing Falls
September is Falls Prevention Awareness Month, a time to highlight a critical health issue that affects millions of Americans. And that starts with dispelling some common misconceptions!
While many people associate balance with their inner ear or core strength, they often overlook the most crucial element: the biomechanics of their feet. Below, The Foot & Ankle Center of Maryland explains the connection and how you can take simple steps in the right direction.
What are Biomechanics (and Why Do They Matter for Balance?)
In simple terms, biomechanics is the science of how your body moves. For a podiatrist, it's about understanding the complex interplay of bones, muscles, and ligaments in your feet and how they function during activities like walking and standing.
An ideal gait is a smooth, efficient transfer of energy. However, common structural issues can disrupt this process and create an unstable foundation:
Flat feet or fallen arches can cause the foot to roll inward excessively (overpronation), creating a chain reaction of misalignment up the leg.
High arches can lead to a rigid foot that doesn't absorb shock well, resulting in an unsteady gait.
Painful conditions like bunions or arthritis force you to alter how you walk to avoid discomfort, throwing off your natural balance.
These seemingly small issues can have a big impact on your overall stability. Which begs the question: what can we do about it?
The Gait Analysis: A Window into Your Fall Risk
One of the most powerful tools a podiatrist uses to assess fall risk is a gait analysis. This isn't a complex test with wires and sensors; it's a clinical observation of how you walk.
During a gait analysis, your podiatrist is looking for subtle clues that point to biomechanical problems, such as:
An uneven or asymmetrical stride.
Feet that turn in or out excessively.
Poor heel-to-toe motion.
A "foot drop" or shuffle that could cause tripping.
By analyzing your gait, we can identify the root cause of your instability instead of just addressing the symptoms. This analysis is the first step in creating a personalized plan to improve your balance.
Rebuilding Your Foundation With Custom Orthotics
Once a biomechanical issue has been identified, custom orthotics are often the most effective non-surgical solution.
Unlike a generic, over-the-counter insole, a custom orthotic is a prescription medical device crafted from a precise 3D scan or mold of your feet. It's designed to correct your specific mechanical flaws and improve stability by:
Controlling Pronation: Providing targeted support to prevent the arch from collapsing and the ankle from rolling inward.
Redistributing Pressure: Offloading painful areas from conditions like arthritis, allowing you to walk with a more natural and stable gait.
Improving Alignment: Creating a stable base that correctly aligns the joints in your foot, which in turn helps align your knees and hips.
1st Step? Check in With Us!
Always consult with your doctor before starting a new exercise routine. A podiatrist can recommend specific exercises tailored to your needs. And if you or a loved one is concerned about their balance, don't wait for a fall to happen. Schedule a comprehensive gait analysis and fall risk assessment with our team today!
Contact the office of Dr. Ross Cohen of The Foot & Ankle Center of Maryland in Glen Burnie, MD, at (410) 761-3501 to schedule your initial diagnostic appointment. We look forward to meeting you!