Fall Into Safer Steps: Routine Foot Care Can Help with Fall Prevention

As fall approaches, it’s possible our steps become harder to ignore. Falling leaves crunch underfoot, sunsets come sooner, and we start thinking about cozy sweaters and cool evenings. Our steps also deserve attention as we transition into the season. Fall prevention starts with routine care for the entire body, including the feet.

One out of four older adults falls each year, but falls are not an inevitable part of aging. [ 1 ] They’re usually caused by a combination of risk factors, many of which are preventable. Foot pain and footwear rank among those concerns that can increase fall risk, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [ 1 ] Studies have also associated problematic footwear and a variety of foot health concerns with falls. [ 2 ][ 3 ]

Toes, feet, and ankles deserve consideration when we talk about preventing falls. While they may not cause every fall, foot pain and mobility challenges can contribute to a loss of balance or stability.

Toe Problems Can Change The Way We Walk

You might notice your grandma limping if her heel is bruised, but what if she has a less noticeable pain from a thick toenail or bunion? Or what if her shoes rub against one toe every time she takes a step? People don’t like to walk on things that hurt, so they may rise on the balls of their feet, shuffle, take short steps, or avoid walking when they can.

Alterations in gait can cause us to lose our balance more easily or feel less confident when we walk. Pain can also make us less inclined to move around, which could lead to weakness and greater mobility challenges over time.

Keeping up with foot care can help address problems before they impact how we walk. Services during a nurse-visit can include:[ 1 ]

* Skin and nail assessments

* Routine nail care

* Reduction of thick nails

* Removal of corns and calluses when appropriate

* Diabetic screening

* Footwear assessment

* Shoe-size assessment

* Education

* Referrals to doctors or podiatrists if medical care is needed

Foot Pain and Footwear Have Roles, Too

As we age, feet can become larger or change shape. Many people, though, persist in buying the same shoe size they have for decades. Shoes that are too tight, narrow, loose, or uneven can make it uncomfortable or difficult to walk without adjusting our gait.

Look for footwear with:[ 2 ]

* Plenty of toe room without sliding forward

* Laces, straps, or other closures that keep the foot secure

* Firm support around the heel

* Wide, steady base with a low heel

* Non-skid sole that won’ catch on floors

Backless slippers, shoes lacking support, worn-outsoles, and walking socks may provide less stability. Everyone’ mobility needs and feet are unique, which is why shoe recommendations should be customized when possible.

Fall Prevention Foot Safety Tips

As you prepare your family for fall semester, family pictures, and pumpkin patches, keep these tips in mind for elderly fall prevention:[ 1 ][ 2 ]

* Check feet regularly for swelling, redness, blisters, cracks, drainage, or other changes.

* Take foot pain seriously. It’ not normal, and it can impact balance and mobility.

* Trim toenails and keep feet neat. Long toenails can snag on socks or cause problems when putting on shoes.

* Get your shoe size checked regularly. Our feet may change as we age, and old shoe supplies could fit poorly.

* Replace old shoes with worn or uneven soles.

* Keep floors around your home well lit and free of clutter to reduce fall risk.

* Talk to your healthcare provider about dizziness or balance changes, falls, vision changes, or side effects from new medications.

Researchers found that podiatry services could support older adults at risk of falling. The study included participants with foot pain that limited everyday activities. Fall rates were significantly lower for participants who received comprehensive podiatry care over those who did not (8.1% versus 17.8%). [ 3 ]

While the study mentioned didn’t evaluate foot care in isolation, it serves as a reminder that prevention takes many forms. Ensuring someone has healthy feet may not eliminate fall risk, but it can be part of a comprehensive approach to safety.

Healthy Feet Promote Healthier Mobility

Simple foot care can keep older adults active and moving forward. Things as basic as well-kept toenails can mean the difference between a loved one joining the family for dinner or watching from a distance. Nail care and other foot checks allow us to identify changes that may need further evaluation. And when we address foot health concerns early, we may stop small issues from becoming big problems.

Sole Renewal RN Foot Care's comprehensive nurse visit will bring skilled and caring foot care to clients in-home or at senior living communities through local partnerships. During the initial visit, clients can expect a foot assessment, footwear evaluation, and shoe-size check. These checks ensure we create a foot care plan that starts clients on the path to safe, comfortable steps.

Let’ help keep feet safe this fall. Encourage your loved ones to take steps today they’ll remember tomorrow.

Contact Nurse Tricia at**(270) 805-7 397**, [[email protected]](mailto: [email protected]) or visit [www.sole-renewal.com](http://sole-renewal.com/) to learn more about Sole Renewal RN Foot Care and our upcoming services.

References:

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [Facts About Falls](https://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/falls/facts.html). CDC.gov. Updated September 29, 20 21. Accessed September 14, 20 26.

2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, STEADI. [Feet and Footwear for Older Adults](https://www.cdc.gov/steadi/pdf/footcareguide_forolderadults.pdf). STEADI – STEPS Up to Prevent Falls. Updated August 20, 2024. Accessed September 14, 2026.

3. Menz HB, Auhl M, Spink MJ. [Foot problems as a risk factor for falls in community-dwelling older people: A systematic review and meta-analysis](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30415759/). Maturitas. 2018;118:7–14.

4. Spink MJ, Menz HB, Fotoohabadi MR, et al. [Effectiveness of a multifaceted podiatry intervention to prevent falls in community-dwelling older people with disabling foot pain](https://www.bmj.com/content/342/bmj.d3411). BMJ. 2011;342:d3411.