Fall Prevention for Seniors

Quick answer: Fall Prevention For Seniors affects roughly 1 in 4 adults in our practice. Effective treatment starts with a targeted diagnosis, conservative-first treatment, and escalation only when needed. We treat this regularly at our Howell and Bloomfield Township practices. Call (810) 206-1402.

Related Conditions

✅ Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist · Last updated April 6, 2026

Helping Seniors
Stay Steady, Safe, and Independent

At Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist, we provide fall prevention care for seniors by addressing the foot, ankle, and balance issues that often lead to instability. Our goal is to help seniors move confidently and safely in their daily lives.

Schedule Fall Risk Assessment

(810) 206-1402

5.0-Star Patient Reviews

Board-Certified Podiatrists

Same-Day Appointments

Most Insurances Accepted

How Seniors Can Improve Balance and Prevent Falls

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2DcN9ZcZLo

Schedule a Consultation

(810) 206-1402

Why Fall Prevention Matters for Seniors

Falls are one of the leading causes of injury among older adults. Even a minor fall can lead to serious complications, reduced independence, and long recovery times.

Common factors that increase fall risk include:

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  Foot pain or deformities
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  Poor balance or unstable gait
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  Arthritis or joint stiffness
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  Nerve conditions such as neuropathy
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  Improper footwear
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  Muscle weakness or reduced flexibility

Early prevention is key to staying active and independent.

Consult a Podiatrist Today

Signs a Senior May Be at Risk of Falling

You or a loved one may benefit from a fall risk evaluation if you notice:

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  Feeling unsteady while walking
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  Shuffling or uneven steps
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  Frequent tripping
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  Foot or ankle pain
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  Difficulty standing for long periods
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  Fear of falling

Our Fall Prevention Approach

Personalized, Senior-Safe Care

Our podiatrists evaluate the foot, ankle, and walking mechanics to identify risk factors and create a personalized prevention plan, which may include:

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  Gait and balance assessment
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  Custom orthotics to improve stability
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  Supportive footwear recommendations
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  Bracing when needed
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  Treatment for foot pain, arthritis, or deformities
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  Coordination with physical therapy when appropriate

Schedule a Consultation Now

 Click To Call: (810) 206-1402

Recommended Solutions for Fall Prevention

Supportive Tools That Help Seniors Stay Steady

Depending on your needs, we may recommend:

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  Custom orthotics to improve foot alignment
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  Ankle or foot braces for added stability
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  Proper footwear with non-slip soles
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  Padding or offloading devices to reduce discomfort
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  Diabetic pressure points
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  Balance exercises to strengthen supporting muscles

Our goal is to relieve pain, preserve mobility, and prevent unnecessary surgery whenever possible.

Benefits of Professional Fall Prevention Care

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  Reduced risk of falls and injuries
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  Improved balance and walking confidence
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  Better foot comfort and support
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  Increased independence
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  Peace of mind for seniors and families

Schedule Fall Risk Assessment

 Click To Call: (810) 206-1402

Frequently Asked Questions

Can foot problems really cause falls?

Yes. Pain, poor alignment, and instability in the feet can significantly affect balance.

Do orthotics help with fall prevention?

Yes. Custom orthotics improve alignment and stability, reducing fall risk.

Should seniors see a podiatrist even without pain?

Yes. Preventive evaluations can identify issues before they lead to falls.

Is fall prevention covered by insurance?

Coverage depends on diagnosis and plan. Our team can help verify benefits.

Our board-certified podiatrists specialize in foot and ankle care.

Experience Senior Balance and Mobility Care

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

Dr. Biernacki provides comprehensive foot and ankle care for patients in Howell and Bloomfield Township, focusing on accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and long-term mobility.

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Dr. Carl Jay,
DPM

Dr. Jay delivers trusted general podiatric care, helping patients manage foot and ankle pain, injuries, and chronic conditions with plan tailored to your foot types.

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Dr. Daria Gutkin, DPM

Dr. Gutkin offers attentive foot and ankle care for a many conditions, emphasizing preventive care and patient education to support healthy, active lifestyles.

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Recommended Solution:
Custom Orthotics for Arthritic Foot Pain

Falls often happen because of poor balance, unstable gait, or foot pain — common issues as we age. One of the most effective tools to help seniors stay steady on their feet is a pair of custom orthotics.

How Custom Orthotics Help Reduce Fall Risk

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  Improve Balance & Stability — By supporting proper foot alignment and gait mechanics.
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  Reduce Pain from Foot Conditions — Less pain means more confident walking.
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  Redistribute Pressure — Helps prevent fatigue and missteps.
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  Enhance Proprioception — Better feedback from feet helps body stay coordinated.

Benefits for Seniors

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  Support matched to your foot structure
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  Increased walking confidence
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  Reduced likelihood of slips or stumbles
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  Long-term comfort during daily activity

Whether it’s arthritis, neuropathy, or age-related foot changes, custom orthotics are a simple, proven way to help seniors maintain balance and reduce fall risk.

Our goal is to relieve pain, preserve mobility, and prevent unnecessary surgery whenever possible.
Schedule Your Fall Risk Assessment

 Click To Call: (810) 206-1402

Take Steps Today to Reduce Fall Risk

If you or a loved one is concerned about balance or mobility, early fall prevention care can make a difference. Trust the experienced team at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist to help seniors in Howell and Bloomfield Township stay safe, steady, and confident.

Schedule Your Fall Risk Assessment

For Same Day Visits Call: (810) 206-1402

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Related Treatment Guides

• Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain Treatment
• Custom 3D Orthotics
• Sports Foot & Ankle Injury Treatment
• Bunion Treatment

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 foot and ankle services at our Howell and Bloomfield Township offices.

More questions patients ask

How can podiatry help prevent falls in seniors?

Balance Foot & Ankle's fall prevention approach addresses the foot and ankle contributors to senior falls: treating painful foot conditions that alter gait, prescribing appropriate supportive footwear, providing custom orthotics to improve stability, evaluating ankle strength and proprioception, identifying neuropathy that impairs balance, and recommending appropriate assistive devices when needed. Addressing these factors significantly reduces fall risk.

What foot problems increase fall risk in seniors?

Balance Foot & Ankle identifies these foot and ankle conditions as fall risk factors: peripheral neuropathy (impairs balance and sensation), bunions and hammertoes (cause gait instability), painful foot conditions that cause compensatory walking patterns, ankle weakness or instability, improper footwear (slippery soles, poor fit, excessive heel height), and toenail fungus causing deformed nails that alter toe push-off. All are treatable.

What footwear reduces fall risk in seniors?

Fall-preventive footwear recommended by Balance Foot & Ankle includes: non-slip rubber soles, firm heel counters for ankle stability, low heels (under 1 inch), closed toes and heels (no slippers or open-back shoes outdoors), lace or Velcro closure for secure fit, and proper width to prevent tripping. Custom orthotics in supportive shoes further improve balance by providing better proprioceptive feedback.

Does Medicare cover fall prevention podiatric care?

Medicare covers medically necessary podiatric services that include many fall-prevention components: evaluation of foot and ankle conditions affecting balance, treatment of painful conditions causing gait alterations, and diabetic foot care with neuropathy evaluation. Balance Foot & Ankle maximizes Medicare coverage for senior fall prevention care. Call (810) 206-1402 or visit us at 4330 E Grand River, Howell or 43494 Woodward Ave #208, Bloomfield Township.

What exercises help seniors prevent falls related to foot problems?

Balance Foot & Ankle prescribes fall-prevention exercises including: single-leg balance exercises (progress from near a wall), heel raises for calf strength, toe raises for anterior tibialis strength, ankle circles for mobility, and proprioception training on unstable surfaces (foam pad) for advanced patients. These exercises strengthen the foot and ankle complex that provides the foundation for safe balance and mobility in seniors.

Still have a question about coverage or cost? Book online and we will check your benefits before your visit: Book in Howell · Book in Bloomfield Township. Prefer to talk it through first? Call (810) 206-1402.