ILL FITTING FOOTWEAR CAN CONTRIBUTE TO FALLS IN SENIORS
posted: Jul. 23, 2019.
According to the New York State Department of Health, every day hundreds of elderly New Yorkers are seen in emergency rooms due to falls. Problems with gait and balance are associated with a three-fold increase in the risk of falling. The New York State Podiatric Medical Association (NYSPMA) encourages all older adults, especially those on multiple medications or who have conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, or foot problems such as numbness, arthritis, osteoporosis, or who’ve had a stroke, to have their feet examined by a podiatrist to help ensure stability and prevent future falls.
Dr. Joseph Sciandra |
In addition to causing pain, an improperly fitted shoe can be dangerous. “If an elderly person is wearing ill-fitting footwear, they are playing with fire,” said Dr. Joseph A. Sciandra, NYSPMA’s President and a practicing podiatrist. “If you are struggling with balance and mobility issues, it is critical that your shoes fit properly to help prevent the complications of a serious fall,” he added.
Courtesy of Barry Block, editor of PM News.
Brought to you by Doctor John A. Hardy, owner of Toronto's foot clinic, Academy Foot and Orthotic Clinics.