Fall Prevention for People With Foot and Ankle Problems: How Podiatry Helps

Quick answer: Fall Prevention Foot Ankle Problems Podiatry is a common foot/ankle topic that affects many patients. The 2026 evidence-based approach combines proper diagnosis, conservative-first treatment, and escalation only when needed. We treat this regularly at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills practices. Call (810) 206-1402.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon — Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI. Last updated April 2026.

How Foot Problems Increase Fall Risk

Falls are a leading cause of injury and disability in older adults — and foot problems are among the most modifiable fall risk factors. Studies consistently show that foot pain, peripheral neuropathy, and toe weakness significantly increase fall risk, yet these conditions are often under-addressed in fall prevention programs. At Balance Foot & Ankle, we provide podiatric care that directly reduces fall risk for patients throughout Southeast Michigan by treating the foot and ankle conditions that undermine stable walking.

Peripheral Neuropathy and Loss of Protective Sensation

Peripheral neuropathy — whether from diabetes, chemotherapy, vitamin deficiency, or other causes — reduces the sensory information the brain receives from the feet about ground surface, position, and movement. Proprioception (joint position sense) and protective sensation both decline with neuropathy, making balance substantially more difficult. Patients with significant neuropathy cannot detect surface irregularities and stumble because they cannot feel the ground properly.

Podiatric management of neuropathy includes vitamin supplementation for B12 deficiency neuropathy, coordination with primary care for optimal diabetes management, and prescription of extra-depth footwear and custom orthotics that enhance sensory feedback and provide a stable, cushioned base of support.

Foot Pain and Altered Gait

Pain from plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, bunions, or arthritis causes patients to alter their gait to avoid painful foot contact — antalgic gait. These compensatory movement patterns reduce walking speed, shorten stride length, and reduce the time spent on a single leg. All of these gait changes reduce dynamic balance and increase fall risk. Effective treatment of foot pain restores normal gait mechanics and substantially reduces this component of fall risk.

Ankle Weakness and Chronic Instability

Ankle sprain-related chronic instability reduces dynamic ankle stability during the stance phase of gait. Ankle dorsiflexion weakness from foot drop or nerve injury impairs toe clearance during the swing phase, causing trips. Ankle arthritis limits range of motion and reduces the foot and ankle complex ability to adapt to surface changes. Physical therapy strengthening, appropriate ankle bracing, and surgical correction of significant instability all reduce fall risk through improved ankle function.

Footwear and Its Impact on Falls

Footwear choice dramatically influences fall risk. Shoes with thin, flexible soles, high heels, or poor heel support increase fall risk compared to shoes with firm heel counters, low heels, and non-slip rubber outsoles. Walking in socks or stockings on smooth floors is particularly dangerous and should be avoided. Our podiatrists provide footwear counseling and can prescribe therapeutic footwear when standard shoes are insufficient for a patient with significant foot deformity or neuropathy.

Custom Orthotics and Fall Prevention

Custom orthotics reduce fall risk by multiple mechanisms: reducing foot pain, correcting abnormal pronation that destabilizes the ankle, and providing enhanced proprioceptive feedback through improved contact between the foot and the orthotic surface. Studies in older adults have shown that custom orthotics significantly reduce fall frequency compared to standard footwear alone.

What to Tell Your Podiatrist About Falls

If you have had a fall or near-fall in the past year, tell your podiatrist. A comprehensive foot evaluation including sensory testing, strength assessment, and gait observation provides information that guides fall-specific podiatric interventions. Proactive treatment of even modest foot problems reduces fall risk substantially in older adults.

Contact Balance Foot & Ankle to schedule a comprehensive foot evaluation focused on fall prevention. We serve patients throughout Southeast Michigan with same-week appointments at our Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb county locations.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can foot pain really cause falls?

Yes, foot pain causes altered gait, shortened stride, and reduced confidence that significantly increase fall risk. Studies show that seniors with foot pain have 62% higher fall rates. Treating the underlying condition reduces risk dramatically.

What shoes are safest for fall prevention?

Safe shoes have a firm heel counter, slip-resistant sole, wide toe box, and laces or velcro closure for secure fit. Avoid backless shoes, high heels, flip-flops, and shoes with thick soft soles that impair balance feedback.

Do custom orthotics help prevent falls?

Yes, custom orthotics improve balance by providing proper arch support, correcting alignment, and stabilizing the foot. Research shows custom orthotics reduce fall risk by up to 36% in adults with foot pain or deformity.

Fall Prevention & Podiatric Care in Michigan

Foot and ankle problems are a leading cause of falls in older adults. Dr. Tom Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle provides comprehensive lower extremity assessments, balance evaluations, and targeted treatments to reduce fall risk at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills offices.

Learn About Our Geriatric Foot Care Services | Book Your Appointment | Call (810) 206-1402

Clinical References

1. Menz HB, et al. “Foot problems as a risk factor for falls in community-dwelling older people.” Gerontology. 2006;52(3):174-180.
2. Aboutorabi A, et al. “A systematic review of the effect of foot orthoses and shoe characteristics on balance in healthy older adults.” Prosthetics and Orthotics International. 2016;40(2):170-181.
3. Cockayne S, et al. “Multifaceted podiatry intervention versus usual care for the prevention of falls in older people.” BMJ. 2017;357:j1712.

NCBI: fall prevention and foot health

In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle

If home treatment isn’t providing relief for your foot and ankle conditions, our podiatry team at Balance Foot & Ankle can help with same-day evaluations and advanced in-office care.

Related Care at Balance Foot & Ankle

Clinical ankle services at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills offices.

Ankle Sprain & InstabilityFoot BracingAnkle Arthroscopy