Could Changes in Your Gait Increase Your Risk of Falling?
September’s focus on fall prevention is a useful reminder that staying steady often starts with the feet, especially for older adults in Arizona. At Desert Podiatric Medical Specialists, our Tucson podiatrists help patients identify foot and ankle problems that may affect the way they stand, walk, and move. Pain, numbness, weakness, or instability can subtly change your gait and make everyday movement feel less secure.
How Does Your Gait Affect Fall Risk?
Your gait is the pattern of how you walk. When foot pain or a structural problem changes that pattern, you may begin shortening your stride, favoring one side, or placing weight differently without realizing it. Over time, those adjustments can affect balance and stability.
Several foot and ankle conditions can contribute to these changes. Heel pain may make you avoid putting full pressure on one foot. Flat feet can affect alignment and the way weight is distributed. Previous ankle injuries may also leave behind weakness or chronic instability that makes uneven surfaces harder to navigate.
Numbness deserves attention, too. Peripheral neuropathy can reduce sensation in the feet, making it harder to feel changes in the ground beneath you. For some people, neuropathy can also contribute to weakness and balance problems.
Signs Your Feet May Be Affecting Your Balance
- Feeling unsteady when first standing up or turning
- Frequently catching your toes or shuffling your feet
- Avoiding pressure on one foot because of pain
- Recurring ankle rolling or a feeling that the ankle may “give out”
- Numbness, tingling, or reduced sensation in the feet
- Needing to hold onto furniture or walls when walking at home
These symptoms do not automatically mean a fall will occur, but they are worth discussing with a healthcare professional.
A Podiatrist Can Help You Build a More Stable Foundation
Fall prevention is not only about removing rugs or adding grab bars. It also means addressing the physical factors that can make walking less comfortable or predictable.
A podiatrist can evaluate your feet, ankles, footwear, and gait to look for issues that may be interfering with stability. Depending on the cause, treatment may include supportive footwear, exercises, bracing, or custom orthotics.
Desert Podiatric Medical Specialists provides comprehensive foot and ankle care to patients throughout Tucson, Oro Valley, and surrounding areas of Pima County, Arizona. Bradley A. Whitaker, D.P.M., FACFAS, Peter C. Merrill, D.P.M., AACFAS, and Zeno Pfau, D.P.M., are here to help you get back on your feet. Call us at (520) 575-0800 or contact us online to schedule an appointment.
