Newcastle Podiatrist Clinic | Expert Foot Care for All Ages
Falls are one of the leading causes of injury in older Australians, and they’re not just a “balance” problem.Often, the cause lies much closer to the ground: your feet. Foot pain, poor footwearand undiagnosed biomechanical issues can all affect the way we walk, stand andrecover from a stumble.That’s where podiatry services play a powerful, and often overlooked, role. Here aresix key ways podiatrists help reduce the risk of falls and keep people movingconfidently at every age.
1. Foot Health Assessment
Foot pain and structural changes, such as bunions, hammertoes or flat feet, can alteryour natural gait and lead to instability. Left untreated, these issues can causecompensatory movements in the hips, knees and back, increasing the risk of a fall.Podiatrists are trained to identify and treat these conditions early. By addressingpain, improving foot function and supporting proper alignment, we can restore asafer, more stable gait.
2. Footwear Advice and Prescription
Wearing the wrong shoes is one of the most common, and preventable, contributorsto falls. Loose, slippery or unsupportive footwear can affect your balance and reduceyour confidence on your feet.Podiatrists assess your footwear and recommend better alternatives based on yourfoot type, activity level and balance needs. In some cases, we also prescribe customorthotics to address underlying biomechanical problems, helping to improve stabilityand comfort.
3. Nail and Skin CareIt’s easy to underestimate how much a thickened toenail or painful callus can throwoff your balance, until it happens. Skin and nail conditions can lead to uneven weightdistribution, altered gait and even infections that impact mobility.Regular podiatric care ensures issues like fungal nails, ulcers, corns and calluses areproperly managed. This helps reduce pain, improve comfort and maintain confidencewhen walking.
4. Gait and Balance Evaluation
Podiatrists don’t just treat the feet, we look at the way you move. Gait analysis helps us identify abnormal walking patterns that may increase fall risk. These may be due to pain, weakness, joint restriction or long-term compensations. We often work alongside physiotherapists or other health professionals to address these issues holistically, and tailor a treatment plan that may include stretching, strengthening, orthotics or footwear changes.
5. Fall Risk Screening
Many podiatry clinics now include fall risk assessments as part of routine care, especially for older adults. This may involve testing your lower limb strength, range of motion, balance and proprioception (your sense of where your body is in space). Identifying early changes in these areas allows us to intervene proactively, before a fall occurs.
6. Management of Chronic Conditions
Chronic health conditions such as diabetes, arthritis and peripheral neuropathy can all affect foot function and balance. Diabetic patients, for example, may lose protective sensation in their feet, making it harder to detect pressure or injury. Arthritis can limit joint movement and alter walking mechanics. Podiatrists help manage these underlying conditions to improve foot health, reduce pain and lower fall risk, all while working in partnership with your broader healthcare team.
Take the Next Step Toward Safer Movement
If you or someone you care for is concerned about falls, don’t wait for one to happen. Podiatrists play a vital role in early detection and prevention, with simple, practical strategies that can restore comfort, stability and confidence.
Ready to feel more secure on your feet? Book an appointment today at Merewether & New Lambton Podiatry.
