Foot Pain Linked to Falls
A study published in the Gerontology journal found that foot pain in seniors—particularly severe foot pain—directly correlates to an increased risk for recurrent falls. Foot posture is also linked to an increase in the number of falls adults experience as they age. Falls are the leading cause of hospitalization for seniors. Knowing one of the common reasons older adults fall can help prevent some of the painful injuries and hospital visits caused by slip and fall accidents.
Foot Pain and Falls
After studying current data on seniors, falls, and hospital visits, researchers from the Hebrew Senior Life’s Institute for Aging Research found a correlation between severe foot pain and recurrent falls. The study included more than 1,300 participants with an average age of 69. Study participants with notable foot pain were 62% more likely to experience multiples falls every year compared to participants with little or no foot pain.
Foot Posture and Falls
The study also made an unexpected connection between foot posture and recurrent falls for seniors. Older adults with planus foot posture were 78% more likely to fall than adults without it. Planus foot posture is also known having “flat feet.” Flat feet are associated with pain in different areas of the foot which often increases with age.
Preventing Falls Caused by Foot Pain
Slip and fall accidents can be dangerous and even fatal for seniors with already compromised health. For people aged 65 – 84, injuries caused by falls are the second leading cause of death. Slip and fall accidents can cause lacerations, broken bones, and head injuries. The risk of falls rises with every year of age, and foot pain significantly increases this risk.
To relieve foot pain associated with recurrent falls, seniors may consider:
- Wearing orthopedic shoe inserts to support and comfort feet
- Maintaining a healthy weight to lighten the load on feet
- Working with a physical therapist to ease discomfort and pain
- Wearing shoes indoors for added traction on slippery floors
- Using a cane or walker for additional stability
- Visiting the podiatrist for a complete examination
Treating foot pain is an important way to protect seniors from falls, to prevent injuries and hospitalization, and to help them maintain their independence.
New Brunswick Slip and Fall Lawyers at the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr Pursue Compensation for Injured Victims
Foot pain does not have to limit older Americans from enjoying the activities they love. Seniors injured in falls caused by another’s carelessness or negligence should contact a New Brunswick slip and fall lawyer at the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr. We advocate for injured senior citizens, fighting for the compensation they deserve to cover hospitalization and other medical expenses. Contact us online or call 877-249-4600 to schedule a free initial consultation.
From our offices in Highland Park, we serve clients in Middlesex County, including the communities of Highland Park, Somerset, New Brunswick, Edison, South River, Sayreville, Metuchen, East Brunswick, South Plainfield, Fords, Middlesex, Old Bridge, Iselin, Bound Brook, Perth Amboy, and Colonia, New Jersey.
