Foot health to prevent falls

Your feet carry you everywhere, so it makes sense that we look after them however this is sometimes forgotten.

The health of your feet is an important factor in preventing falls, and this guide aims to advise on how best to care for your feet.

Common complaints include

• Corns and calluses: are thick layers of skin. They are caused by repeated pressure or friction over a bony area and this is where the corn or callus develops.
• Bunions: these are bony lumps that form on the side of the feet, this causes deformity and can the joint to enlarge, and can be painful.
• In-growing toenails: this is when your nail grows into the skin of your toe and is often your big toe. This can be caused by ill-fitting footwear, cutting the nail too short and trauma, for example, stubbing of toe. The ingrown toenail can cause the pain and swelling.
• Athlete’s foot: not just experienced by athletes! It is a fungal infection causing dry, split skin between and under toes. Occurs when perspiration and warmth encourage growth of the fungus.
• Arthritis: “wear and tear” of the bony joints, which can make the foot less stable and painful.

What is the most suitable footwear?

Good shoes should have support around the heel and over the top of your foot, preferably a lace-up, Velcro strap or T-bar straps. (Slip-on shoes do not help your toes. Wearing shoes without a proper fastening means you curl your toes to hold the shoes on).

Make sure your toes have enough room in your shoes, your toes should not touch the end of your shoe and they should have enough width (across the ball of your foot). Don’t forget that your shoes must also have adequate depth (toes and instep), you should be able to wriggle your toes up and down inside your shoe.

Wearing low, flat shoes are more supportive and we encourage people to wear flat, supportive shoes. Shoes with heels alter the way your foot functions, they affect the body mechanics of how you walk, stand and carry yourself and can place undue stress on your knees, hips and lower back.

Soles should be soft, flexible and cushioned to provide maximum shock absorption. Spongy soles mean your feet will be more comfortable.

Your feet change shape over time therefore we advise that you get measured especially when buying new shoes.

Page last reviewed: August 12, 2025
Next review due: August 12, 2026