Senior Fall Prevention: How Foot Health Keeps Lake County Seniors Safe & Active

✓ Medically Reviewed by Dr. Carli Hoover, DPM
Board-Certified Podiatrist | Central Florida Foot & Ankle Institute

Lake County is a wonderful place to age. From the charming streets of Mount Dora's downtown to the waterfront parks along Lake Harris, from Eustis's trails to Tavares's seaplane base, our community offers an active, engaged lifestyle that keeps seniors young at heart.

But here's a statistic that should concern every senior: One in four Americans aged 65+ falls each year. And the single most important factor in fall prevention that most people overlook? Foot health.

At Central Florida Foot & Ankle Institute, we've helped hundreds of Lake County seniors maintain their mobility and independence through proactive foot care. This guide explains the crucial connection between your feet and fall prevention—and what you can do about it.

The Fall-Foot Connection

Why Falls Are So Dangerous for Seniors

Falls are the leading cause of injury death in adults over 65. Even when not fatal, they're devastating:

Your Feet: The Foundation of Balance

Your body uses three systems to maintain balance:

  1. Vision—seeing where you're going
  2. Inner ear—vestibular sense of position
  3. Proprioception—sensory feedback from feet and legs

Your feet provide critical proprioceptive information. Thousands of nerve endings in your feet tell your brain about the surface you're standing on, how your weight is distributed, and what adjustments are needed to stay upright.

When foot problems interfere with this feedback loop, your fall risk increases dramatically.

How Aging Changes Your Feet

By age 65, your feet have walked approximately 75,000 miles—three times around the Earth. That mileage shows.

Normal Aging Changes

Conditions That Increase Fall Risk

Peripheral Neuropathy: Numbness in your feet means you can't feel the ground properly. You may not notice:

Bunions and Hammertoes: Deformities change how weight is distributed, alter your gait, and can make shoes fit poorly.

Plantar Fasciitis: Heel pain changes how you walk, often leading to compensatory patterns that increase fall risk.

Arthritis: Stiff, painful joints reduce mobility and balance reactions.

Weak Ankles: Previous injuries, arthritis, or general weakness makes ankles prone to giving way.

Warning Signs Your Feet Are Increasing Fall Risk

Take these symptoms seriously:

If you check more than two of these, schedule a foot evaluation.

Footwear: Your Most Important Fall Prevention Tool

The Right Shoes Can Prevent Falls

Studies show that improper footwear contributes to up to 45% of senior falls.

Shoes that increase fall risk:

Shoes that reduce fall risk:

Shopping for Safe Shoes

Shop in the afternoon—feet swell during the day.

Measure both feet—they're often different sizes; fit the larger one.

Stand when fitting—check space at toe while standing.

Walk around the store—test on different surfaces if possible.

Bring your orthotics—if you use them, fit shoes with them inside.

Recommended Brands for Seniors

Inside the House

Never go barefoot or in socks—even at home.

Most senior falls happen at home, often while padding around in socks. Wear:

Custom Orthotics for Fall Prevention

Custom orthotics can significantly reduce fall risk by:

At Central Florida Foot & Ankle Institute, we create custom orthotics specifically designed for fall prevention in seniors, taking into account your unique foot shape, gait pattern, and any existing conditions.

Exercises for Stronger, More Stable Feet

Strong feet and ankles are essential for fall prevention. These exercises, done daily, can make a significant difference:

Balance Exercises (Do Near a Counter or Chair)

Single-leg stand:

  1. Hold onto counter lightly
  2. Lift one foot off ground
  3. Hold 10-30 seconds
  4. Switch feet
  5. Progress to less support as you improve

Heel-to-toe walk:

  1. Place heel of one foot directly in front of toes of other
  2. Walk 20 steps in a line
  3. Use wall for support if needed

Strengthening Exercises

Toe raises:

  1. Stand behind chair, holding for balance
  2. Rise up on toes
  3. Hold 3 seconds
  4. Lower slowly
  5. Repeat 10 times

Heel raises:

  1. Same position
  2. Rock back onto heels, toes off ground
  3. Hold 3 seconds
  4. Lower
  5. Repeat 10 times

Toe scrunches:

  1. Place towel on floor
  2. Scrunch towel toward you using only toes
  3. Repeat 10 times each foot

Flexibility Exercises

Ankle circles:

  1. Sit with foot off ground
  2. Rotate ankle slowly, 10 times each direction
  3. Switch feet

Calf stretch:

  1. Stand facing wall, hands on wall
  2. Step one foot back, keeping heel down
  3. Lean forward until stretch felt in calf
  4. Hold 30 seconds, switch

Managing Foot Conditions That Increase Fall Risk

Peripheral Neuropathy

If you have diabetes or another condition causing neuropathy:

Bunions and Hammertoes

Arthritis

Nail Care

Thick, neglected toenails can affect balance and catch on things:

Home Safety for Lake County Seniors

Your home environment matters as much as your feet:

High-Risk Areas

Throughout the House

Staying Active Safely in Lake County

Don't let fall fear stop you from enjoying our beautiful community. Stay active safely:

Great Activities for Seniors

Lake County Walking Spots (Foot-Friendly)

When to See a Podiatrist

Schedule an appointment if you:

What We Offer Lake County Seniors

Central Florida Foot & Ankle Institute provides:

Medicare Coverage

Medicare covers many podiatric services for seniors, including:

We'll verify your coverage and help you understand your benefits.

Your Fall Prevention Action Plan

Start today:

  1. Evaluate your footwear—are your shoes helping or hurting?
  2. Check your home for tripping hazards
  3. Start foot exercises—even 5 minutes daily helps
  4. Schedule a foot evaluation—especially if you have any warning signs
  5. Stay active—but choose appropriate activities

Your independence depends on your mobility. Your mobility depends on your feet. Let us help you protect both.

Central Florida Foot & Ankle Institute
Serving Mount Dora, Eustis, Tavares, Leesburg & Lake County

📞 Call: (407) 333-5050
🌐 Visit: FloridaFAI.com

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