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Fall prevention and treatment from a podiatry perspective
Methods: Using material published in the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association and other resources the common foot and ankle pathologies and footwear concerns will be summarized per demographic groups –Prewalkers/Youth/ Younger Adult/ Mature Adult/Special Populations
Findings: Falls have many causes, and the various aspects of human function and pathology that may contribute to falls. The roles of osteoarthritis, diabetes mellitus, peripheral vascular disease, and dermatologic conditions as well as the effects of diminished peripheral sensation and joint malposition are clinical factors in fall risk. Clinical support exists for the role of foot/ankle pathologies and poor footwear selection in fall risk but evidence in epidemiologic studies is minimal and additional research is required to clarify the role of foot disorders in this health problem.
Conclusion: Falls can have serious consequences, and the importance of their prevention is increasing with the changing demographics of the world population. It is essential that the specialized knowledge that podiatric medicine offers pertaining to foot/ankle pathologies and footwear selection be integrated into interdisciplinary prevention programs.
Learning Areas:
Advocacy for health and health educationChronic disease management and prevention
Occupational health and safety
Other professions or practice related to public health
Provision of health care to the public
Learning Objectives:
Describe the contribution of foot and ankle pathologies to fall risk.
Keyword(s): Well-Being, Physical Activity
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have been involved with podiatric public health concerns for over two decades mirroring my active direct patient care in independent private medical practice in Albuquerque, NM. Fall risk and prevention is a focused area for our national podiatric public health agenda that I am actively involved with and on a regional level as a member of the New Mexico Falls Adult Fall Prevention Coalition.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.