5 top tips for preventing falls

One in four people over the age of 60 have a fall each year, which can often result in serious injuries. Having a fall can be a frightening experience, so it is always good to put steps in place to limit your risk of having one. Here are some top tips you can implement to help keep you on your feet.


Wearing the right footwear

Your shoes are the main contact between you and the floor, so it is important you are wearing supportive footwear. Enclosed shoes with arch support and an enclosed back are recommended.


Regular Exercise

By staying physically active, even if it is just a walk around the block or seated exercises, maintaining a level of fitness increases overall balance and mobility


Using assistive devices

Canes and walkers can sometimes feel like a hindrance but are a really big help in keeping you upright on a big shopping day or walk around the block.


Getting your eyesight regularly tested

Vision impairment affects the ability to perceive things around you and can affect your balance. By seeing an optometrist annually, you can ensure this won’t be a risk factor for you.


Treat any foot pain

There is clinical evidence that suggests that foot pain can increase your risk of having a fall.  If you are experiencing foot pain, getting this checked by a Podiatrist could be the next step you can take in keeping yourself stable.


Our Podiatrists are trained to perform a falls risk assessment. This specialised assessment will help to identify if you are at risk of having a fall.  These risk factors are then addressed, and a management plan includes footwear advice, an exercise program, orthotics, and GP reviews. Whether you’ve had a fall previously, or are a bit scared of having one in the future, booking in with a Podiatrist can help keep you on your feet as long as possible.


This article was written by our Podiatrist, Sophie. To book an appointment with Sophie or any of our experienced Podiatrists, click here.

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A recent study shows that 1 in 5 people develop foot pain at some stage throughout their lives. This is influenced by your job, activity, and lifestyle, and the more active you are, the more likely you will develop foot pain. Fixing foot pain is what we do, so how does your Podiatrist at Sole Focus Podiatry support your sole? We have many treatment options available, and the underlying cause of your sore feet will determine the best treatment option. Footwear Advice In some cases, simple footwear advice is all that’s required, and it’s essential to make sure your footwear matches the activity and your foot type. If you’re on your feet all day, then you need a shoe that is both supportive and stable and has adequate cushioning. Suitable footwear comes with a price, but how valuable are your feet? Orthotics If you have flat feet, you may benefit from having orthotics made. When you stand, if your foot flattens and rolls inwards at the ankle too much, it places a lot of on the muscles and tendons, and this is often the source of many long-term foot and ankle problems. Shockwave Therapy If you have a typical foot type, and we’ll tell you if this is the case, yet you are still getting sore feet, you may benefit from Shockwave Therapy. Shockwave therapy delivers gentle, focused acoustic waves to the painful/damaged tissues. It is clinically proven to treat various foot and leg conditions, including heel pain, heel spurs, Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, and knee pain. Exercises Yes, suitable footwear and orthotics can help, but you need to focus on strengthening your feet so they can withstand higher forces. Our Podiatrists can curate a personalized stretching and strengthening program to help keep your feet and legs strong! Take Action Untreated foot problems can and will lead to long-term joint damage and arthritis, so putting it off now will only make things worse later. No two feet are the same, which is why our podiatrists are trained to offer various treatment options. To make an appointment with one of our experienced Podiatrists, call us on (07) 4529 7430 or book an appointment here .
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