The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reports that as of 2017, 1 in 7 Australians was aged at least 65 years old. When it comes to health concerns of the aging population, falls are a hazard which can affect 1 in 4 of this age group each year. As the child of an elderly parent who is not as steady on their feet as they once were, you want to know how you can reduce the chance of your parent experiencing a nasty fall. One answer to this dilemma involves a trip to the podiatrist to be fitted for orthotic inserts, and here are three reasons why this visit is beneficial.

Orthotic Inserts Provide Stability

It is unwise for anyone who is unsteady on their feet to be wearing heels as it makes it harder for the shoe wearer to retain their balance. Flat shoes are the preferred footwear choice for the elderly population, and orthotic inserts add to the stability of the shoe. The goal of the insert is to realign the foot when it is in the shoe to bring about balance. An orthotic insert guides the foot into a position where the foot is perfectly aligned as the wearer walks. This lack of foot twist and ankle roll leads to a stable, sturdy gait with each step taken.

Orthotic Inserts Are Comfortable

In an effort to prevent falls from happening, the elderly are encouraged not to wander around the house in socks or slippers. Because of the lack of grip on the base of these two items, it is easy for the slipper or sock to slide on tiles or wooden floors. Add this slipperiness to a person who is unsteady on their feet, and the chance of a fall is greatly increased. Because orthotic inserts make shoes comfortable, the shoes can be worn around the house instead. The soles of the shoes are designed to grip the flooring, so this reduces the chance of a fall.

Orthotic Inserts Encourage Exercise

Another way to prevent fall is to strengthen a person's legs and feet. A small 15-minute walk each day is encouraged by podiatrists to keep the leg muscles active and strong. Orthotic inserts make walking a comfortable task.

Take your parent to your local podiatrist to see what type of insert they recommend. The more stable your parent is on their feet, the less likely they are to appear in next year's fall statistics.