Balance, steadiness and falls

Foot pain, numbness, weak ankles and footwear are some of the things that can affect balance, and they can be checked.

Feeling less steady on your feet, catching your toes or worried about another fall? Foot pain, numbness, weak ankles and footwear are some of the things that can affect balance, and they can be checked.

What would you like to feel confident doing again?

Walking to the shops, managing stairs, stepping off a kerb or getting in and out of the shower—the goal helps shape the plan.

See your GP soon if you have had a fall, feel dizzy or faint, or your balance has changed quickly.

Can a podiatrist help with balance and falls?

Podiatry can be one part of reducing falls risk. Foot pain, reduced feeling in the feet, weak feet or ankles, toenail or skin problems and unsuitable footwear can affect how steady you are, and a podiatry assessment can look at each of these.

Foot-related factors that may affect steadiness

Foot pain can change how you walk, shorten your step or make you avoid putting weight on part of the foot.
Reduced feeling, such as numbness or tingling with diabetes, can make it harder to sense the ground. Read about diabetic foot checks.
Weak or stiff feet and ankles can make it harder to recover your balance after a trip.
Nails and skin: long, thick or painful toenails and painful corns can alter how you walk. See thick or hard-to-trim toenails.
Footwear: loose slippers, backless shoes and worn or slippery soles can make trips and slips more likely. Shoes or orthotics that no longer fit well may also play a part.

What can I do now?

Tell your GP about any fall or near-miss, even if you were not hurt, and ask whether a medicines review, eye check or falls assessment would be worthwhile.

Wear shoes that fasten securely and fit well, indoors as well as out, and keep walkways clear and well lit.

What could happen at a balance and falls appointment in Burwood?

How we assess foot-related falls risk

We ask about any falls or near-misses, when and where they happened, and what you want to feel more confident doing.
We check your feet, skin and nails, the feeling in your feet and your circulation.
We look at joint movement, foot and ankle strength, how you walk and the shoes you wear.
We explain what we found and discuss options such as foot and nail care, footwear advice, lower-limb strength and balance exercises and whether referral to your GP, a physiotherapist or another service may help.

Exercises and footwear changes can help some people feel steadier. Results vary, and no single change removes the risk of falling.

Please bring: the shoes you wear most (including indoor shoes or slippers), any walking aid, your medicines list and any orthotics. Read more about a foot, walking and movement assessment.

Common questions about balance, steadiness and falls

Can shoes affect my balance?

They can. Shoes that fasten securely, fit well and have a firm, slip-resistant sole are often suggested for people at risk of falls, while loose slippers and backless shoes may make trips and slips more likely.

Does numbness in my feet increase the risk of falling?

Reduced feeling can make it harder to sense the ground and uneven surfaces, so it may affect balance. If you have diabetes, it is also a reason to have your feet checked regularly.

Clinical information sources

These sources support the general information above. Individual assessment may lead to different advice.