How to Reduce Fall Risks by Fixing Foot Problems The human foot contains 26 bones, plus muscles and ligaments that all work together to form the arches that bear the entire weight of your body. It’s an amazing and complex structure, and it’s no surprise that most people experience foot pain of one form or another over their lifetime.Foot pain might come from ill-fitting shoes, standing, or walking for long periods of time, or even sprains, strains, or tiny bone fractures. Whatever the cause, foot pain impacts your gait, the way you normally walk without pain.That shift in your normal stride not only feels a bit strange, it can actually de-stabilize your body’s center of gravity, setting you up for potential injury from tripping or falling. Here are a few of the injuries or conditions that might impact your gait and increase your risk of falling:Corns and calluses – These painful hard areas found on your feet are typically caused by the friction and pressure of poorly fitting shoes. A callus is an area typically found on the bottom of your foot that thickens after friction. A corn is a type of callus that is found on top of and between the toes.Plantar Fasciitis – This is the inflammation in the band of tissue (known as the plantar fascia) found in the area that connects your heel bone to your toes. It may be caused by being overweight, being on your feet for extended periods, wearing shoes with inadequate support, or participating in high-impact sporting activities. Flat feet or high arches, excessive pronation (when the foot rolls severely inward when walking), or wearing high heels regularly can be aggravating factors.Bone Spurs – A bone spur is an abnormal bone growth that can develop in any bone, but most frequently occur in high-impact areas such as your feet. They develop over long periods of time, usually near joints and often occur from plantar fasciitis.Hammertoe – This is a deformity of the second, third, or fourth toes where the toe is bent at its middle joint and looks like a hammer. The causes of hammertoe can include arthritis, tight shoes, high heels, pointy shoes, toe injuries, high foot arch and bunion pressure. Treating hammertoe early, when mild symptoms start, can be as simple as changing the type of shoes you wear, adding exercises, or using cushions to help relieve pain.Talk to a specialist firstIf you’re concerned about how your foot pain is impacting your natural walk – and potentially increasing your risk of potential falls – you may want to visit an orthopaedist who specializes in podiatry, like Dr. Matthew Nalamlieng at DOC OrthopaedicDr. Nalamlieng is a board-certified podiatrist, who focuses on the treatment of chronic and acute foot conditions. He is certified in foot, rearfoot, and reconstructive ankle surgery with the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS). He can and will address all foot problems including toe pain, forefoot pain, heel pain, bunions, hammertoes, flat feet, tendinitis, and arthritis.Dr. Nalamlieng earned his Bachelor of Science at The Master’s College in Santa Clarita, California. He then completed his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine at Western University of Health Sciences, College of Podiatric Medicine in Pomona, California, graduating as part of the Pi Delta Honor Society.During his three-year integrated podiatric medicine and surgery residency with an added credential in reconstructive rearfoot/ankle surgery at the White Memorial Medical Center in Los Angeles, Dr. Nalamlieng focused on foot and ankle sports injuries, lower extremity trauma, joint replacement for end-stage ankle arthritis, and reconstruction of complex foot, and ankle deformities.He went on to serve as a member of the Center for Limb Preservation & Advanced Wound Care at White Memorial Medical Center and completed additional training in advanced techniques in lower extremity reconstruction at USC Keck Medical Center as a chief resident. About DOC OrthopaedicsSince 1972, the specialists at DOC Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine have been committed to providing exceptional orthopaedic care through innovative techniques, quality services, patient communication, and education. With specialties ranging from general orthopaedics and physical therapy to sports medicine, joint replacement, and more, the doctors at DOC Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine can provide local expert care for any orthopaedic disorder or injury and help put your life back in motion.
