Session 1- Friday
Foot problems, footwear and falls (40min)
Falls in older people are a major public health problem and are responsible for the majority of wrist and hip fractures in this population. Falls result from a complex interaction between the individual and their environment. Two often overlooked modifiable risk factors for falls are foot problems and inappropriate footwear. Foot problems, which are known to affect 1 in 3 older people, have been shown to independently double the risk of falls, while wearing slippers has been identified as a risk factor for falls and fall-related injury. This presentation will provide an overview of the literature pertaining to the links between foot problems, footwear and falls (including two systematic reviews) and will provide attendees with practical guidelines pertaining to which foot problems to assess, and which footwear features are detrimental or beneficial for balance.
Pedorthics, footwear and falls prevention (25min)
Introduction
Falls are a major and increasing risk in the aging population even without any significant foot and ankle instability. Research suggests that footwear has a role to play in contributing to falls but also in falls prevention.
Summery
Footwear is typically chosen by a patient / consumer on the criteria the patients / consumer sees as important to them. Those choices maybe driven by easy of donning and doffing as well as low weight of the footwear. The consumer is typically not aware of any risks associated with those choices.
With the aging and associated risks of falling which may lead to mayor health issues like fractures and hospitalisations, the footwear choices may need to be more focused on functional advice. When is a heel height starting to be a problem for falls prevention? Older people and especially those with sensory issues may chose a chose a soft soles shoe. What is the right softness of the midsole? What about slippers or barefoot in socks a favourite for around the house. Is it a falls risk?
Footwear fitting will need to be done professionally for both footwear that is used indoors as well as outdoors. Many falls occur indoors in the safe surroundings of one’s home.
A number of foot and ankle conditions lead to additional instabilities. Like significant varus or valgus deformities and pedorthic modalities can be used to address those issues.
Keywords
Footwear features for falls prevention, height of heel, softness of midsole
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