Mark Lin, a leading Sports Podiatrist at Footwork Podiatry in Sydney, NSW recently highlighted research that shows taking care of our feet could make a difference. Find out why.
Foot Expert Comments on Research into Falls in Older Adults
Sydney, October 2018: It’s no secret that we’re living longer these days. But a larger population of older adults is bringing elder’s issues under the spotlight, and injury through falls is among the concerns. Mark Lin, a leading sports podiatrist in Sydney recently highlighted research that shows taking care of our feet could make a difference.
A Firm Foundation
Poor balance and weaknesses in feet and ankles can severely limit mobility. Lin points to a literature review indicating that over 80 percent of older adults who worked with podiatrists felt that the intervention was beneficial.
“It’s not just the physical improvements,” he says. “Confidence also has a role to play. Fear is a big factor. When we don’t feel confident about our physical performance, it’s like a self-fulfilling prophecy.”
Falls and Foot Treatments
Although most people undergoing podiatry treatments feel confident that it’s working, researchers are more cautious in drawing conclusions: “The burden of proof for researchers is a heavy one. For example, if a study deals with foot exercises and falls, there must be no doubt that foot exercises rather than individual physical differences between subjects are responsible for any differences.” Lin explains.
“But even those who can’t produce evidence that podiatry works to reduce falls can’t produce evidence that it doesn’t. They’re calling for further research.”
However, the British Medical Journal has published a study indicating a “significant” reduction in the incidence of falls in older adults following intervention by podiatrists. The lead author, an NHS researcher, concludes that podiatry is a cost-effective intervention that can reduce the number of NHS patients requiring treatment for falls.
The study involved a multi-faceted approach which included advice on footwear choices, orthotics, foot and ankle exercises, and fall prevention education.
“People may find this confusing,” says Lin, “One researcher says that further study is needed while another says there’s a significant difference - but study design has a lot to do with the conclusions drawn.”
Foot Anomalies and Foot Pain
Foot problems affect one in three people over the age of 65, and once again, Lin has the third-party evidence to prove it. “Foot pain has long been considered a contributing factor when it comes to falls in older people. When your feet hurt, you will favour them, and that means you develop a less steady gait. That, in turn, affects balance - and the logical consequence is that you’re more likely to fall.”
Although Lin is best known for his work as a sports podiatrist, he works with people of all ages and from all walks of life. Foot pain, it seems, is not limited to any specific segment of the population. “I work with kids too,” he explains. “They can have postural and gait problems that need to be corrected before they cause further problems. No matter who you are, if your feet hurt, you have a problem. Sore feet aren’t normal.”
About Mark Lin
Mark Lin is a leading Sydney sports podiatrist. Footwork Podiatry has two convenient locations Roseville on Sydney’s North Shore and Sydney CBD. Both offer the full spectrum of podiatry treatments. For further information, visit the Sports and Podiatrist Clinic website, or call the clinic on +61 2 9416 7889.
Written & Syndicated by Baxton Media.
