“I have plantar fasciitis and Doctor was very patient, providing exercises and answers. I'm seeing improvement for the first time in months.”Google · Sean Murray · Jun 2023
“He finally freed me from my plantar fasciitis! Orthotics he casted are exceptional.”Google · Gleb Kartsev · Nov 2021
“Best orthotics ever! Before — horrible pain from plantar fasciitis heel spurs. Best arch support ever!”Google · Weilian Tang · Nov 2021
“Dr Patish and his staff are great! Ingrown nail and plantar fasciitis — he helped immensely with both!”Google · Polly Trump · Mar 2023
“Doctor took very good care of my plantar fasciitis problem — quick and effective.”Google · Judy Wahl Talley · Apr 2019
“Dr. Patish's orthotics have changed my life! I can walk for hours with no pain.”Google · Sarah Tang · Mar 2022
“For fifteen years I saw countless doctors. Dr. Patish was the only one that got it right.”Google · A. Holston · Jan 2023
“I wish I could give Dr. Patish 10 stars!!! He has literally been a life changer.”Yelp · Troy E. · Aug 2019
“I have plantar fasciitis and Doctor was very patient, providing exercises and answers. I'm seeing improvement for the first time in months.”Google · Sean Murray · Jun 2023
“He finally freed me from my plantar fasciitis! Orthotics he casted are exceptional.”Google · Gleb Kartsev · Nov 2021
“Best orthotics ever! Before — horrible pain from plantar fasciitis heel spurs. Best arch support ever!”Google · Weilian Tang · Nov 2021
“Dr Patish and his staff are great! Ingrown nail and plantar fasciitis — he helped immensely with both!”Google · Polly Trump · Mar 2023
“Doctor took very good care of my plantar fasciitis problem — quick and effective.”Google · Judy Wahl Talley · Apr 2019
“Dr. Patish's orthotics have changed my life! I can walk for hours with no pain.”Google · Sarah Tang · Mar 2022
“For fifteen years I saw countless doctors. Dr. Patish was the only one that got it right.”Google · A. Holston · Jan 2023
“I wish I could give Dr. Patish 10 stars!!! He has literally been a life changer.”Yelp · Troy E. · Aug 2019
Fall Prevention: How Your Feet Play a Bigger Role Than You Think
Falls are the leading cause of injury for seniors, and foot problems are a major contributor. Learn how podiatric care reduces your fall risk.
Every year, one in four adults over 65 falls, and falls are the leading cause of injury-related death in that age group. What many people — and even many physicians — don't fully appreciate is how much foot health contributes to fall risk.
Your feet are your body's foundation and its primary source of balance information. When foot problems compromise sensation, strength, or stability, the risk of falling increases dramatically. The CDC identifies foot problems and unsafe footwear as modifiable risk factors for falls in older adults.
How Foot Problems Increase Fall Risk
Peripheral neuropathy — reduced sensation in the feet, commonly from diabetes — means you can't feel the ground properly. Your brain receives incomplete information about the surface you're walking on, and balance suffers. Learn about our diabetic foot care.
Bunions, hammertoes, and painful conditions alter your gait. When walking hurts, you adopt compensatory patterns that reduce stability. Untreated foot pain is one of the strongest predictors of falls in older adults.
Weak ankles and poor proprioception make you vulnerable to trips on uneven surfaces. The proprioceptors in your feet naturally decline with age, but targeted exercises can maintain and even improve their function.
The Footwear Factor
Inappropriate footwear is involved in a significant percentage of falls. Shoes that are too loose, lack tread, or have elevated heels all increase risk. Walking in socks on slippery floors is a common fall scenario. The ideal shoe for fall prevention has a firm heel counter, non-slip sole, low heel, and a secure closure.
What a Podiatrist Can Do
A fall-risk foot assessment includes evaluating sensation, circulation, strength, range of motion, gait pattern, and footwear. From there, targeted interventions can dramatically reduce risk — custom orthotics for stability, treatment of painful conditions, and balance and strengthening exercises tailored to your abilities.
A podiatric evaluation is one of the most impactful things you can do for fall prevention. Addressing foot problems, improving footwear, and building ankle strength can reduce fall risk by up to 36% according to published research.
The Bottom Line
Falls aren't inevitable. Many of the foot-related factors that contribute to falls are treatable. If you or a loved one has concerns about balance or has experienced a fall, a podiatric evaluation is an important first step. Learn about Medicare coverage for podiatric care.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do foot problems cause falls in seniors?
Foot problems contribute to falls through reduced sensation (neuropathy), altered gait from pain, weakened ankle muscles, and impaired proprioception. These factors combine to compromise balance on uneven surfaces, stairs, and slippery floors.
What shoes are best for fall prevention?
Look for shoes with a firm heel counter, non-slip rubber sole, low heel (under 1 inch), secure closure (laces or Velcro), and a wide toe box. Avoid walking in socks on smooth floors, wearing loose slippers, or using shoes with worn-out treads.
Can a podiatrist help prevent falls?
Yes. A podiatric fall-risk assessment evaluates sensation, strength, gait, and footwear. Treatment may include custom orthotics for stability, correction of painful conditions, and targeted balance exercises that can reduce fall risk by up to 36%.
Ready to Feel Better?
Most patients are seen within 24–48 hours. Schedule your visit today.
