A major source of injury in the elderly is falling.  It is estimated that nearly 40,000 falls each day occur in the US alone with over 14 million US adults aged 65 and older experience a fall each year.  Statistics gathered in 2010 show that such falls cost the US healthcare system over 30 billion dollars with 20,000 of falls that year resulting in death.

The reasons for falls include:

  • Muscle weakness.
  • Blood pressure that drops too much with standing, called postural hypotension.
  • Balance problems caused by inner ear disease or vertigo.
  • Cardiac issues.
  • Peripheral neuropathy, in which the peripheral nerves have decreased ability to allow one to determine position of body parts.  Proprioception is the ability of the body to sense the position and movements of body parts.
  • Orthopedic conditions such as hip, knee, foot and ankle disorders that create instability of such joints.
  • Diseases of the cerebellum, that part of the brain responsible for gait and muscle coordination.
  • Combinations of the above.

Podiatrists, trained in biomechanics of the lower extremity, are essentially doctors of gait. Gait disorders that lead to falls can be readily identified and helped.

One of the most significant modalities employed by podiatrists in the last few years is the Moore Balance Brace, a prescription custom ankle  foot orthotic.  The concept we are addressing is known as postural sway and controlling postural sway to prevent falls.  “Postural sway” refers to movement, mainly horizontal movement around the center of gravity.  

The process of maintaining balance requires input from multiple sensory systems including:

  • The vestibular system – relating to equilibrium and directional input with respect to head position.
  • Visual system – allows coordination relative to positions of objects about the body.
  • Somatosensory system – pressure, vibration and joint position via input from skin and joints.

Use of braces to control postural sway works at the level of the somatosensory system.  The ability to sense position and motion generally requires feedback from foot pressure but the goal of bracing to expand or enlarge the feedback system so more information is being provided to the brain to control postural sway.  The Moore Balance brace and similar products constitute a custom molded boot that surrounds the foot and ankle and is placed in the shoe.  It functions to:
Provide more contact area to the foot, ankle and leg during gait thereby increasing the body’s ability to control postural sway.
Add stability to weak ankles further stabilizing gait.
Provide a custom molded foot plate designed to offset orthopedic deformities, weakness and instability within the foot.


Ankle foot orthotics such as the Moore Balance Brace are not beneficial to everyone but a thorough podiatric exam can help determine if one is a candidate for such treatment.

For more information on Fall Prevention in the San Antonio, TX area, call Ed Davis, DPM, FACFAS. at  (210) 490-3668 today!

Dr. Davis is a Foot & Ankle specialist and Podiatrist, serving the 78258 San Antonio area. Call us to book your appointment or request an appointment online today.