One of the specialized services we offer to our senior patients at Montgomery Foot Care Specialists in Montgomery, AL is a Fall Risk Assessment. Older adults are much more at risk for falling than their fellow citizens who haven’t populated the planet as long, and for a number of reasons:
- Tired feet – older adults have feet that have carried them for thousands and thousands of miles. Those feet are just plain tired! They may have calluses and corns, ingrown toenails, or bone deformities such as bunions and heel spurs that can warp the foot and affect how they walk.
- Lack of exercise – exercise may be difficult for a lot of senior citizens, so they’re just not in the best physical shape. They may be obese or have weak muscles in their core and legs, and a sudden move or a false move on the staircase may end in a fall.
- History of stroke – neurological damage often results in balance issues and problems with gait.
- Declining vision – those eyes are tired, too. Many senior citizens lack depth perception, meaning they have difficulty judging how far away something is. They may need to hold on to furniture or walls or they walk into or onto things they don’t see, causing a fall.
- Arthritis – aching joints can interfere with proper movement and lead to balance issues as well.
- Medications – some can cause drowsiness or dizziness.
- Peripheral neuropathy – numbness in the feet can make walking firmly and safely very difficult.
- Poorly-fitting shoes.
During a fall risk assessment, Dr. Michael L. Rosenberg or Dr. Heidi M. Christie, our two expert podiatrists, will ask a number of questions about your health and your health history and make recommendations for treating any disorders of the foot you may have. We are dedicated to providing skilled care for your feet that can reduce your risk of falling.
We invite you to make an appointment for a Fall Risk Assessment for you or for your loved one, either online, or by calling our caring staff at (334) 396-3668.