FOOTWEAR FOR BALANCE: A BRIDGE FOR PODIATRIC PHYSICIANS

The Moore Balance Brace is useful for seniors who physicians are concerned about with falling. It is important to help with fall management. It has been identified that over 45% of falls can be attributed to inappropriate footwear and most elderly individuals have fall’s that can significantly impact their lifestyle as it may cause a hip fracture. However, some seniors do not prefer wearing the moore balance brace or find it difficult to use, this is when the moore balance shoe may come into the picture and be a bridge towards the moore balance brace.

Improper footwear for the elderly most likely occurs as individuals when they get older base the shoes they buy off of comfort rather than function and safety. Hourihan et. al reported that of 107 elderly individuals who experienced a hip fracture due to a fall majority had improper footwear on. 33% were wearing slippers and 68% wore shoes with flexible heel counters. It is important for clinicians to address fall prevention strategies and balance enhancement programs for the elderly population.

The Moore Balance Shoe released in 2017 can work as stand alone footwear for those with poor balance. The Moore Balance shoe is easy to use, light weight, skid-resistant, made out of lyrca/leather to accommodate and stretch for deformities such as bunions and other proven features. Some seniors who are not keen on the brace may benefit from using the shoe. The moore balance shoe can also be worn without the brace .

Courtesy of Barry Block, editor of PM News