If you've noticed yourself tripping more often or feeling unsteady on your feet, your foot health could be a major contributor. Our feet play a crucial role in maintaining stability, posture, and movement. When something is off—whether it's pain, deformity, or weakness—it can throw off your balance and increase the risk of falls, especially as we age.
Let’s explore how foot issues can lead to instability and what you can do to stay on your feet with confidence.
What Causes Balance Problems Related to Foot Health?
-
Nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy) – Often caused by diabetes, this affects sensation in the feet and can impact balance.
-
Foot pain – Pain from conditions like plantar fasciitis, arthritis, or bunions may cause you to shift weight unnaturally, increasing fall risk.
-
Muscle weakness or poor foot posture – Weak foot and ankle muscles can impair balance and coordination.
-
Foot deformities – Bunions, hammer toes, or flat feet can alter your gait and stability.
-
Improper footwear – Shoes that don’t fit well or lack support can make walking unsafe.
-
Vestibular or proprioceptive issues – Reduced awareness of foot position, often related to age or injury, can lead to trips and stumbles.
Treatment Options to Improve Balance
-
Podiatry assessment – A comprehensive foot and gait evaluation can identify contributing factors.
-
Custom orthotics – These can help support proper foot alignment and improve stability.
-
Footwear advice – Supportive, well-fitting shoes reduce the risk of trips and improve comfort.
-
Foot and ankle strengthening exercises – Build muscle strength and improve coordination to reduce fall risk.
-
Treatment for underlying conditions – Address bunions, arthritis, or nerve issues with tailored podiatric care.
-
Balance training – Exercises focused on proprioception and posture help retrain your body’s stability mechanisms.
Prevention Tips
Wear well-fitted, supportive shoes daily and avoid going barefoot on slippery surfaces. Regularly check your feet for changes or discomfort, especially if you have diabetes. Staying active and doing balance exercises can also reduce your fall risk over time.
Get Help From Foot HQ Podiatry
Looking after your feet as you age is essential to maintaining your independence and quality of life. At Foot HQ Podiatry, we offer professional foot care for older adults, including skin and nail care, gait assessments, custom orthotics and treatment for arthritis, bunions, and more.
📍 Suite 1, 28–30 Urunga Parade, Miranda NSW 2228
📞 Call (02) 8520 8818 to book your appointment today and keep your feet happy and healthy.
Share: