(Aug. 2014) According to the New York State Department of Health, hundreds of elderly New Yorkers are seen daily in emergency rooms due to falls. Sadly, among those over the age of 65, 60 percent of those hospitalized will end up in nursing homes or rehabilitation centers; 11 percent will suffer a traumatic brain injury and 27 percent will experience a hip fracture.
Problems with gait and balance are associated with a three-fold increase in the risk of falling. The New York State Podiatric Medical Association 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 to help ensure stability and prevent future falls.
Given most consumers are left to their own devices in big-box retail stores, many people haven’t had their feet properly measured or examined in decades. For people with medical conditions or the frail elderly who are already prone to falls, NYSPMA strongly recommends a visit to a podiatrist for a routine foot exam and measurement assessment.
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.”
According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, when selecting shoes, it’s important to be mindful of the following guidelines:
* Put shoes to the 1-2-3 test: Step 1: Press on both sides of the heel area to ensure the heel is stiff and won’t collapse. Step 2: Bend the shoe to check for toe flexibility. The shoe shouldn’t bend too much in the toe box area, but it shouldn’t be too stiff and inflexible, either. Step 3: Try twisting the shoe; it shouldn’t twist in the middle.
* Have your feet professionally measured every time you shoe shop. Natural aging and health changes can cause the size of your feet to change. Measure both feet – late in the day – and shop for the larger foot.
* Bring the type of socks you plan to wear with the shoes and walk around the store in the shoes before you purchase them.
* If you don’t feel comfortable or steady in the store, don’t buy them. Shoes should feel comfortable and supportive right away; if they don’t feel good right away, breaking them in won’t improve things.
* If you have specific health challenges or foot issues, talk to a podiatrist about the best footwear for your needs. If your podiatrist has prescribed orthotics – biomechanical inserts that go into your shoes – take them with you when you shop and try them out in the shoes you’re considering.