Did you know that more than 2.5 million senior citizens are treated in emergency rooms for fall injuries each year, and that over 700,000 are hospitalized because of a hip fracture or head injury from a fall?
These are grim statistics but it’s true that we are more prone to falling as we age. There are many reasons why the elderly are at risk for falls including:
- Lower body weakness
- Balance problems
- Medications that can affect balance
- Vision problems
- Foot pain
- Worn footwear
Neuropathy, or nerve damage, is often another reason. Individuals with diabetes often suffer from neuropathy where damaged nerves can’t transmit sensation properly. When this happens in the feet, the patient can’t feel the ground and balance and walking are affected.
Moore Balance Brace Can Help Reduce the Risk of Falling
When a patient with balance problems comes into Your Next Step, we often discuss how the Moore Balance Brace can help lessen the risk of falling.
The Moore Balance Brace is lightweight with plenty of comfortable padding and shock-absorbing material. The brace is custom-made for each patient and slips easily into most supportive shoes without purchasing a larger shoe. Comfortable Velcro tabs hold the brace snug against the calf so there are no bothersome laces.
The Moore Balance Brace can help reduce the risk of falling by up to 60% by:
- Reducing the body’s postural sway
- Stabilizing the foot and ankle when the individual suffers from weakness or fatigue
- Stimulating skin receptors that provide balance feedback to the brain
- Improving the foot’s clearance to reduce the risk of tripping
In addition to helping where there are balance problems, the brace also benefits patients with ankle instability or weakness, with neuropathy and those who have arthritis in their feet or who have had a stroke.
Other Steps that Can Help Lower the Chances of a Fall
- Talk to your doctor about the prescription and over-the-counter medications that you take to see if any might make you dizzy.
- With your doctor’s permission, do exercises to strengthen your legs and improve your balance like tai chi.
- Eliminate home tripping hazards such as loose throw rugs and wires. Add grab bars in bathrooms and make sure stairways have railings and are well-lit.
- Replace low light bulbs with brighter ones and install night lights.
Visit Us To See if the Moore Balance Brace Can Help
We’d love to discuss the many benefits of the Moore Balance Brace with you and evaluate if it’s a good option for your individual situation. Dr. Eric Ricefield, Dr. Mark Yagodich and Dr. Aliza V. Eisen, board certified or qualified podiatrists can help with any foot or ankle problems. Please contact us using the information at the website for our Ardmore, Paoli and Downingtown offices. Take action to reduce your risk of falling today!