We focus on comfort, stability, footwear tolerance and walking confidence, always according to the individual case.
In older adults, small changes in support, footwear or sensation can affect walking tolerance. The priority is often to improve comfort, stability and confidence without imposing treatment that is difficult to use.
At MEDIPIE we assess gait, functional balance, footwear, skin, mobility, previous orthoses and realistic goals. Treatment should be progressive and reviewable.
How gait, support and function are integrated in the biomechanical assessment
When appropriate, an orthosis or adaptation may help unload sensitive areas, improve support or increase footwear tolerance. It needs to be comfortable, stable and easy to use.
If neurological, vascular, diabetes-related or other medical factors are relevant, they are considered and the case is guided cautiously.
Balance depends on many factors. We assess foot support and footwear, but an orthosis cannot replace a comprehensive assessment of fall risk.
Repeated falls, fainting, new-onset dizziness, sudden weakness, new neurological changes or rapid deterioration in gait require medical assessment. When strength or balance deficits predominate, physiotherapy or other resources may need to be involved.
The podiatry contribution focuses on the foot, pressure areas, footwear, orthosis and tolerance, integrating them into a wider plan when needed.
2025 NICE guidance includes the foot and footwear within a broad falls-risk assessment alongside gait, strength, balance, vision, medication and other factors. Interventions should reflect the risks identified for each person.
At MEDIPIE we assess the podiatry component. Orthoses alone are not a falls-prevention measure; when appropriate, we coordinate further assessment.
Source: NICE. Falls: assessment and prevention in older people and in people 50 and over at higher risk. NG249, 2025. View NICE recommendations.
When well indicated, it may help make support feel more stable or comfortable and improve load distribution. Its effect on balance and walking safety depends on many factors and should be checked individually through use and follow-up.
No. Falls are multifactorial and a foot orthosis cannot be considered a stand-alone fall-prevention intervention. Strength, gait, balance, sensation, vision, medication, health conditions, environment and footwear may all matter. An orthosis may form part of care only when there is a specific podiatry objective.
See which footwear, previous devices, reports and information about falls or unsteadiness are useful to bring.
We can guide you before the appointment about useful footwear, previous orthoses, reports and the main problems you have noticed.
Clinical content reviewed by Juan Bautista Calero Márquez, podiatrist registered no. 115 in the Region of Murcia.