Older adults’ mobility questions for podiatry research

Which everyday mobility question from an older patient do you most wish podiatry research could answer better?

Podiatrist Evidence-based practice Geriatric

The question I hear most often in aged-care and home visits is: " Will these shoes or insoles actually stop me falling?". Pretty much 101% I will hear never get old, as you can not look after your own feet and they appears miles away.

We have good evidence for multifaceted falls programs, and some for footwear, foot and ankle issues, but very little that individual patients understand their own risk. I personally would love research to answer better:

1. Which footwear features matter for someone with neuropathy versus someone with foot OA or fear of falling?

2. What is the minimum effective dose of foot and ankle strengthening for frail older adults who can't attend a gym?

Practically, I have found that treating pain, adjusting footwear and providing simple home exercises program often gets people walking.

Would love to hear from physios and OT's: what do you see from your side?

Older adults’ mobility questions for podiatry research

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