Assessment and Intervention of Feet and Footwear

What?

Foot-related impairments and footwear habits may increase an older adult's risk of falling. Potential concerns include wearing inappropriate footwear, nail or skin changes, foot and ankle deformities, weakness, pain, and impaired sensation. Identifying these factors helps determine the need for education, treatment, or referral to appropriate healthcare professionals.

Why?

Healthy feet and appropriate footwear play an important role in maintaining balance, mobility, and safety during daily activities. Foot-related impairments or unsuitable footwear can alter gait patterns, reduce stability, and impair an individual's ability to recover from a loss of balance. Many of these risk factors are modifiable, making assessment and intervention of feet and footwear an important component of fall risk management in older adults.

How?

Assessment of feet and footwear involves asking patients about their footwear choices and wearing habits, as well as examining the feet for conditions that may contribute to fall risk. Findings from the assessment can guide interventions such as patient education, pain management, or referral to specialists such as podiatrists, orthotists, orthopedic surgeons, or physical therapists.