Fall Risk Assessment
Who Is at Risk of Falling?
While anyone can experience a fall, older adults—particularly those over the age of 65—are at a much higher risk. Falls are a leading cause of injury in this age group, and unfortunately, many of these incidents can result in serious complications. Recognizing your personal fall risk is the first step toward prevention.
Ask yourself the following:
- Have you taken a fall recently?
- Do you have arthritis in your feet or ankles?
- Do your legs feel weak or unstable when walking?
- Do you shuffle your feet, trip, or lose balance often?
- Do you need to hold onto furniture, walls, or handrails to steady yourself?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, it’s a good idea to speak with a podiatrist. They can evaluate your risk level and recommend a plan to improve your safety and mobility.
Fall risk assessments are tools healthcare providers use to evaluate how likely someone is to fall. These assessments help identify risk factors before an injury occurs. This is important because people who have already fallen once are more likely to fall again within the following year.
One common assessment is the Morse Fall Scale, which looks at several factors such as:
- Whether you’ve fallen before
- Any other medical conditions you may have
- Use of walking aids
- Your gait (how you walk)
- Mental alertness
Based on your answers, a score is calculated to estimate your level of risk:
- 0–24: Low risk
- 25–50: Moderate risk
- 51 and above: High risk
These assessments aren’t just for after a fall—they can be a proactive tool to stay safe, especially for older adults who may be hesitant to report minor slips or instability.
What Causes Falls?
Falls often result from a combination of internal (personal health) and external (environmental or behavioral) factors.
Internal causes may include:
- Weak muscles
- Poor balance or coordination
- Joint conditions like arthritis
- Posture instability
- Neurological conditions or mental health issues
- Bladder control problems
External factors might include:
- Inappropriate footwear
- Slippery or uneven surfaces
- Side effects of medication
- Lack of physical activity or poor fitness
- Incorrect use of canes, walkers, or other mobility aids
How a Podiatrist Can Help with Fall Prevention
Since many falls are linked to foot pain, instability, or alignment issues, podiatrists play a key role in prevention. They take a comprehensive approach that may include:
- A full fall risk evaluation
- Addressing foot and ankle pain or deformities
- Recommending supportive footwear or custom orthotics
- Prescribing ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) if needed
- Guiding strength and balance exercises
- Educating patients on how to safely move and maintain stability
Ankle-foot orthoses, or AFOs, are specially designed braces that support the lower leg, ankle, and foot. These are customized for each patient and can significantly improve stability, especially in those with weakened muscles or joint issues.
