Stay on Your Feet!: Preventing Falls in the Elderly

As chiropractors, we’re well-positioned to address a major—and often overlooked—public health issue: elderly falls. For adults over 65, falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospital visits and the primary reason many lose their independence. The impact is significant, but the good news is that many falls are preventable. Early identification of high risk individuals and a proactive approach to interventions is paramount. 

At our clinic, we’ve integrated fall risk screening into our assessments, focusing on key contributors that are often missed in routine evaluations: toe strength, quadriceps and hip strength, balance control, ankle mobility, and foot sensation. These are not just fitness markers—they’re predictive of functional stability.

For instance, research shows that older adults who fall tend to have up to 20% less toe strength than their non-falling peers. A simple toe strength test or a sit-to-stand assessment can tell us a lot about someone’s fall risk, even if they’re not reporting any issues yet.



What’s more, the interventions are straightforward and highly effective. We implement progressive strength and balance training using tools like foam pads, metronome-guided step-ups, and sensory-enhancing insoles. These can be easily adapted for home use and scaled based on individual needs.

Fall prevention isn’t just for frail patients. The best outcomes come when we start early—ideally in our 50s and 60s—before mobility or confidence begins to decline. By identifying risk factors early and incorporating functional training into care plans, we’re helping patients stay active, capable, and independent for years to come.

Preventing falls isn’t just good care—it’s proactive healthcare.