Book contents
- Falls in Older People
- Falls in Older People
- Copyright page
- Contents
- Preface
- Contributors
- Part I Epidemiology and Risk Factors for Falls
- 1 Epidemiology of Falls and Fall-Related Injuries
- 2 Postural Stability and Falls
- 3 Gait Characteristics and Falls
- 4 Sensory and Neuromuscular Risk Factors for Falls
- 5 Biomechanics of Balance and Falling
- 6 Foot Problems, Footwear, and Falls
- 7 Brain Function and Falls
- 8 Impaired Cognition and Falls
- 9 The Psychology of Fall Risk: Fear, Anxiety, Depression, and Balance Confidence
- 10 Medical Risk Factors for Falls
- 11 Medications as Risk Factors for Falls
- 12 Environmental Risk Factors for Falls
- 13 Fall Detection and Risk Assessment with New Technologies
- 14 Fall Risk Screening and Assessment
- 15 The Relative Importance of Fall Risk Factors: Analysis and Summary
- Part II Strategies for Prevention
- Part III Implications for Practice
- Index
- References
6 - Foot Problems, Footwear, and Falls
from Part I - Epidemiology and Risk Factors for Falls
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 04 November 2021
- Falls in Older People
- Falls in Older People
- Copyright page
- Contents
- Preface
- Contributors
- Part I Epidemiology and Risk Factors for Falls
- 1 Epidemiology of Falls and Fall-Related Injuries
- 2 Postural Stability and Falls
- 3 Gait Characteristics and Falls
- 4 Sensory and Neuromuscular Risk Factors for Falls
- 5 Biomechanics of Balance and Falling
- 6 Foot Problems, Footwear, and Falls
- 7 Brain Function and Falls
- 8 Impaired Cognition and Falls
- 9 The Psychology of Fall Risk: Fear, Anxiety, Depression, and Balance Confidence
- 10 Medical Risk Factors for Falls
- 11 Medications as Risk Factors for Falls
- 12 Environmental Risk Factors for Falls
- 13 Fall Detection and Risk Assessment with New Technologies
- 14 Fall Risk Screening and Assessment
- 15 The Relative Importance of Fall Risk Factors: Analysis and Summary
- Part II Strategies for Prevention
- Part III Implications for Practice
- Index
- References
Summary
As outlined in earlier chapters, falls in older people result from the interaction between intrinsic, or physiological risk factors (such as visual impairment, muscle weakness, and slowed reaction time), and extrinsic, or environmental risk factors (such as slippery surfaces, cracked footpaths, or loose floor rugs). Because the foot is the only direct source of contact with the supporting surface when undertaking weightbearing activities, it represents an important interface between intrinsic and extrinsic falls risk factors. This interface is further modified by footwear, which can affect balance in either a beneficial or detrimental manner. As such, foot problems and footwear have a significant influence on risk of falling in older people. This chapter provides an overview of the contribution of foot problems and footwear to falls in older people, and the role of podiatry in preventing falls. The use of footwear and foot orthoses as interventions is further addressed in Chapter 22.
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- Falls in Older PeopleRisk Factors, Strategies for Prevention and Implications for Practice, pp. 119 - 129Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2021
References
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