Topics > Ankle > Footwear and Falls
Footwear and Falls
Foot problems make walking difficult and may lead to falling, whether
they are related to a medical condition or the shoes. It is a significant
problem for the elderly, as in the US more than 11 million seniors—one
out of every three people age 65 or older—have foot problems. The
majority of those affected are women.
The American Academy of Orthopedic
Surgeons has the following guidelines for shoe wear to help prevent
falls:
- Shoes should be properly fitting,
and sturdy, with nonskid sole.
- Avoid high
heels and shoes with smooth, slick soles. A comfortable shoe that
has a slippery sole may be modified with textured strips.
- Remeasure
your shoes to select correct size.
- Do not wear shoes with extra-thick
soles.
- Shoes with laces are safer than
slip-ons, but keep the laces tied. Loose or long laces can cause
you to fall.
- Replace stretched out of shape and
loose slippers.
- If you have trouble
putting on your shoes, use a long-handled shoehorn.
- Never
walk in your stocking feet.
- Wear slippers with non-slip soles.
- Women who cannot find athletic shoes
that are wide enough for proper fit should use men’s shoes, as shoe
manufacturers make men’s
shoes wider than women’s.
