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My FootDr Make a stand for falls prevention

Make a stand for falls preventionFalls are a major cause of injury and even death for elderly patients, with estimates suggesting that one in three people over the age of 65 fall each year, resulting in ankle, leg and hip fractures and dislocations as well as back and head injuries.

Over 96,385 people aged 65 and over were hospitalised for fall-related injuries in 2016. Not only do falls cost the hospital system lots of money, the emotional, physical and personal cost to the individual are much higher.

Foot problems are the main cause of falls in the elderly and can be prevented through proper care and consultation with your my FootDr Podiatrist. Restricted ankle joint range of motion, numbness (neuropathy), foot pain, weakness of the toe flexor and calf muscle are key risk factors for falls in the elderly.

Contributing factors to falls

  • Foot Pain
    Problems caused by foot pain can contribute to many of the falls statistics e.g. bunions, claw toes, ingrown toenails, arch pain, heel pain, lower limb pain, alignment.
  • Muscle Weakness in the legs
    As we age our muscles weaken. Older people with weak muscles are more likely to fall than are those who maintain good muscle strength, as well as their flexibility and endurance.
  • Balance and Gait
    Foot posture, nerve sensation, balance and gait all have a huge impact on your well-being as you age. If you have low arches or your feet roll inwards or outwards, your leg muscles are required to do more work to keep you balanced. Foot posture should be assessed in everybody over the age of 60.
  • Wearing unsafe footwear
    Poor footwear choices can increase the chance of falling. Backless shoes and slippers, high-heeled shoes, and shoes with smooth leather soles are examples of unsafe footwear that could cause a fall.

Podiatrist’s role in fall prevention

Footwear recommendations by PodiatristsFall prevention is possible through proper care of your feet and regular consultation with a podiatrist who will assess your risk of a fall and treat any conditions in your feet to reduce your overall risk. If any problems are present, your my FootDr podiatrist may recommend more frequent visits.

  • Biomechanical Assessment
    A biomechanical assessment will be undertaken to establish if your feet are functioning in their optimal alignment when standing, walking and running.
  • Custom-made foot orthotics
    Orthotics are prescription devices designed to support your feet in their ideal position. Orthotics should be worn for most of the time you are on your feet.
  • Footwear Recommendations
    Your Podiatrist can recommend safe footwear and ensure your shoes are properly fitted to your feet.

If you, or someone you know is at risk of falling, book an appointment with your local My FootDr podiatry centre.

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Family Shoes
March 31, 2017

Footwear

What Are Orthopaedic Shoes?
The shoes you wear become your ground. They can give you support, stability and comfort – or put you at risk of injury or pain from blisters, corns, ankle sprains and more. 

Orthopaedic shoes are shoes containing features that are designed to help your feet and legs, providing support to your lower limbs to keep you walking comfortably step after step, day after day. 

We are not referring to custom-made shoes for unique foot problems - a good, supportive shoe with the right features can be considered an “orthopaedic” (foot-friendly) shoe and these are the types of shoes that we stock at My FootDr retail centres.
What Do Orthopaedic Shoes Do?
Good shoes can give you the support you need, in the area you need it. This may look like:

Support in the arch
Heel and forefoot cushions for better shock absorption, pressure distribution and off-loading
Different widths to better suit an individual’s foot (we fit you with the specific shoe width you require)
The right strapping mechanisms for best support, whether that be laces, velcro or buckles
Seamless designs - fewer potential areas for friction and rubbing
Firm heel counters for optimum rearfoot support and control
Wide toe boxes to minimise the risk of damage to the toes and maximise comfort

Do I Need Orthopaedic Shoes?
While all shoes serve as a barrier between the skin of our feet and the outside world, protecting them from damage like cuts, orthopaedic shoes can also do a lot more for us. This is why we recommend these foot-friendly shoes for anyone, whether they are recovering from pain or injury, are wanting to reduce their risk of future injury, or just want to stay comfortable on their feet. We recommend these shoes in any circumstances that you’re doing a significant amount of activity on your feet - whether that’s going for daily walks or runs, at work as a nurse, tradie or other high step count role like running after the kids.
Why Is Correctly Fitting Footwear Important?
A comfortable and correctly fitted shoe is paramount to good foot health, the effectiveness of foot orthotics, and an active and happy quality of life. It can improve your comfort on your feet significantly, reduce your risk of injury from things like muscle/tendon overuse and falls, as well as help you recover from any problems or pains you may be experiencing currently.
What Shoe Brands Are Orthopaedic Friendly?
We stock a large range of orthopaedic footwear including Ziera, Naot, Vionic, Merrell, Saucony, Clarks, Revere, Birkenstock and more. You can view our range in our clinics or shop online. To learn more about each brand, click on the links at the bottom of the page.
Where To Get Orthopaedic Shoes
Finding the right shoes, and knowing what to look for, is not always an easy task, especially if you wear orthotics or have foot or leg problems. Orthopaedic shoes are available from most My FootDr clinics with fully trained shoe fitters capable of finding and fitting the perfect shoe for you. Call ahead to check with your local centre.

If your nearest My FootDr does not stock a shoe range, we will be happy to recommend the best shoe brands, styles and where you can purchase them locally - just ask your podiatrist.
Footwear FAQ’s
What is the best orthopaedic shoe?

The best shoe for you may be different from what the best shoe is for someone else. This depends on your foot type posture, where the areas of high pressure beneath your feet are, any areas of rubbing, whether you have bunions or other prominences, your stability on your feet, injury history, and more. The range of shoes we stock is a great start if you want to browse yourself, though we recommend taking advantage of our free trained shoe consultant to help you find the best orthopaedic shoe for your feet.

What running shoes do podiatrists recommend?

Like we mentioned in the last question, it really depends on your foot type, foot characteristics, and what kind of support you’d benefit from the most. This can also change depending on what kind of physical activities you take part in and how often. 

What shoes do podiatrists recommend for plantar fasciitis?

Due to the nature of plantar fasciitis, shoes that offer a good level of arch support tend to feel best for those suffering from damage to their plantar fascia. Remember, it’s always important to consider shoes in relation to their suitability for your feet.

 

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Custom Foot Orthotics
November 12, 2015

Custom Foot Orthotics

What are orthotics used for?
Custom foot orthotics are shoe inserts designed to support the natural shape of the foot, align the ankle and improve posture and foot function in general. At My FootDr our podiatrists prescribe orthotics to treat a range of foot, ankle, leg and lower back conditions.

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