Introduction :The interface between the sole of the foot and the ground affects balance. The feet are therefore a risk factor for falling (1)
Foot problems affect up to 80% of older people. Each foot receives more than 700 tons of weight each day. By the age of 65, and average person will have walked 70,000 miles.
Intrinsic factors affecting the foot:
- Drug side effects, including oedema, muscle cramps, osteoporosis, neuropathy & paraesthesia.
- Medical conditions e.g. diabetes, osteoarthritis, Parkinson's Disease
- Pain corns, callous, bony deformities
- Gait abnormalities
- Muscle strength - reduced ankle dorsiflexion strength is a risk factor for falls (3)
- Balance reduced balance & reaction times, decreased sensation & joint position awareness
Extrinsic factors affecting the foot:
- Footwear is an environmental hazard (4)
Recommendations: For a safe shoe (5), with a firm heel collar to provide stability. A bevelled heel.
This poster was presented at the 4th National Conference on Falls and Postural Stability, London 2003. Sharing the learning following the retirement of Sally-Ann Belward and to ensure the learning is accessible digitally.
The work was part as part of a course entitled "Multi-professional management and rehabilitation of falls in the older person", at Bradford University (March - June 2003). Authors Belward SA, Curran L & Hardy S, Southampton, Hampshire SO16 4XE
