The general consensus is that as we get older, it’s only natural to be a little more hesitant moving around because of a fear of falling. But is this the mindset you want to have? It’s certainly not the attitude of participants in the Idaho Senior Games or Dexter Yeats, who completed yet another Ironman at age 79 in July 2025! 
Ask these athletes what they have in common, and they’ll likely talk about how they maintain whole-body health, right down to their feet. Their regimen might include using fall prevention devices such as custom orthotics.
At Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle, we design these specialized insoles to address the specific foot and ankle issues that often contribute to balance problems in older adults—and optimize their ability to not only have confidence in daily mobility, but also excel at the activities they love.
What’s the Connection Between Foot Health and Fall Risk?
Your feet serve as your body's foundation. Poor foot alignment forces your ankles, knees, hips, and back to work harder to maintain balance.
Seniors who experience foot pain often change their walking pattern to avoid discomfort. This altered gait can lead to:
- Shorter, more cautious steps that reduce stability.
- Increased forward lean that shifts the center of gravity.
- Muscle weakness from reduced activity levels.
- Loss of proprioception, which affects spatial awareness and the movement of your body.
Custom orthotics that our senior patients use help restore normal walking patterns by eliminating the underlying foot problems that cause these compensatory movements.
Evidence-Based Benefits for Custom Insoles as Fall Prevention
Fall prevention starts from the ground up. Research shows that properly fitted orthotics significantly improve balance and reduce fall risk in older adults. Studies indicate that seniors who use custom orthotics experience improved stability during both static standing and dynamic walking activities.
Unlike generic, over-the-counter inserts, the medical devices designed by our Idaho podiatrists at Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle provide:
- Enhanced proprioception through better foot-ground contact.
- Improved weight distribution that reduces pressure points.
- Better shock absorption that protects joints during walking.
- Increased confidence in movement and daily activities.
These improvements often translate into measurable changes in balance test scores and reduced fear of falling.
How Do We Create Custom Orthotics for Seniors’ Unique Needs?
Not every person needs the same type of orthotic support for fall prevention. Some seniors benefit from insoles that provide more even arch and heel stabilization. Others need devices that address forefoot problems or chronic ankle instability. We also have some patients managing certain health conditions, like diabetes, who want to focus more on their foot health. Our customization process ensures that each custom device addresses your particular risk factors.
The fitting process begins with a thorough evaluation of your specific foot structure, gait pattern, and balance concerns to determine the most appropriate design. Our skilled podiatry team also examines how your feet function during standing and walking activities.
Then, we use state-of-the-art scanning to capture precise measurements and gait analysis that inform the orthotic design—Dr. Steven Anderson demonstrates more in this video. This detailed assessment ensures that your custom orthotics provide exactly the support you need for optimal stability and fall prevention. Our prescription device recommendations might center on one of two options:
Functional orthotics
Usually crafted of a semi-rigid material like plastic or graphite, functional orthotics treat foot pain caused by abnormal motion. They're also often used to treat conditions such as shin splints or tendonitis.
Accommodative orthotics
These are softer and provide additional support and cushioning to the feet. They're frequently a treatment solution for diabetic foot ulcers, painful calluses on the bottom of the foot, and other uncomfortable foot conditions.
Most of our senior patients notice improvements in their balance and mobility within a few weeks of wearing properly fitted custom orthotics. The devices work best when combined with appropriate footwear and activity guidelines recommended by your care team.
Maintaining your independence and energetic way of living doesn't have to become more difficult with age. Custom orthotics offer a practical solution that addresses one of the key factors in senior fall risk while allowing you to participate fully in all the activities you love with comfort and confidence.