The Moore Balance Brace is a prescribed, custom-made ankle foot orthosis (AFO) often worn as a pair that is designed to fit easily into doctor recommended shoes.

The MBB is covered by most Insurance companies including Medicare and Medicaid, when used to treat conditions associated with risk factors for falls. It is a part of a long term solution to be used in combination with a Fall Prevention Strenth Training Program, which may include physical and occupational therapy, environmental changes in the home and review of current medications.

Why Be Concerned About Falling?

  • Fall and fall related injuries are the leading cause of accidental death in older people.
  • Half of senior who fall, will fall again within a year.
  • Nearly half of the seniors who fall reduce their activity after fall
  • Most fractures among older adults are caused by falls

Please ask our Podiatrist about Moore Balance Brace Today!

Lifestyle Choices To Prevent Falls

Falls can happen any time and anywhere to people of any age. Maintaining your health, physical activity, and safeguarding your living environment against falls can significantly reduce your risk for falling.

What to Do If You Fall

  • Do not panic. Assess the situation and determine if you are hurt.
  • Slide or crawl along the floor to the nearest couch or chair and try to get up.
  • If you cannot get up, call for help.
  • If you are alone, slowly crawl to the telephone and call 911 or relatives.

Understand Your Health and Medications

  • Get an annual eye examination, and a physical that includes an evaluation for cardiac and blood pressure problems.
  • Maintain a diet with adequate dietary calcium and Vitamin D.
  • Do not smoke.
  • Avoid excessive alcohol intake.
  • Keep an up-to-date list of all medications and frequently provide it to all doctors with whom you consult.
  • Check with your doctor(s) about any side effects of your medications and over-the-counter drugs, as fatigue or confusion increases your risk of falling.
  • Make sure all medications are clearly labeled and stored in a well-lit area.
  • Take medications on schedule with a full glass of water, unless otherwise instructed.

Exercise

  • Talk to your doctor about starting an exercise program and update him on your experience with exercise.
  • If possible, participate in an exercise program that aids agility, strength, balance, and coordination.
  • Walking at least an hour a day is a good start. This can be done in small intervals to accumulate the hour.

Footwear

  • Wear properly-fitting shoes with nonskid soles. Avoid high heels.
  • Tie your shoe laces well.
  • Use a long-handled shoehorn if you have trouble putting on your shoes.
  • Never walk in your stocking feet.
  • Replace slippers that have stretched out of shape and are too loose.

Home Modifications to Prevent Falls

Bedroom

  • Place a lamp, telephone, or flashlight near your bed.
  • Sleep on a bed that is easy to get into and out of.
  • Make sure your bedding is not slippery and made of wool or cotton.
  • Arrange clothes in your closet so that they are easy to reach.
  • Install a nightlight along the route between your bedroom and the bathroom.
  • Keep clutter off the bedroom floor.

Living Areas and Stairs

  • Install handrails on both sides of the stairway. Each should be 30 inches above the stairs and extend the full length of the stairs.
  • Keep flashlights nearby in case of a power outage.
  • Arrange furniture so you have a clear pathway between rooms.
  • Keep low-rise coffee tables, magazine racks, footrests, and plants out of the path of traffic.
  • Install easy-access light switches or glow-in-the dark switches in each room.
  • Walk only in well-lighted rooms, stairs, and halls.
  • Do not store anything near doorways or in hallways and un-clutter all floors.

Kitchen

  • Remove throw rugs.
  • Clean up immediately any liquids, grease, or food spilled on the floor.
  • Store food, dishes, and cooking equipment within easy reach.
  • Do not stand on chairs or boxes to reach upper cabinets.
  • Use nonskid floor wax.

Bathroom

  • Place a slip-resistant rug adjacent to the bathtub for safe exit and entry.
  • Mount a liquid soap dispenser on the bathtub/shower wall.
  • Install grab bars on the bathroom walls.
  • Keep a nightlight in the bathroom.
  • Use a rubber mat or place nonskid adhesive textured strips inside the tub.
  • Replace glass shower enclosures with non-shattering material.
  • Stabilize yourself on the toilet by using either raised seat or a special toilet seat with armrests.
  • Use a sturdy, plastic seat in the bathtub if you cannot lower yourself to the floor of the tub or if you are unsteady.

And as always consult your Podiatrist! Dr. Zinoivy Rabinovich D.P.M.