State of the gait: Best Foot Forward helps keep seniors on their feet
Podiatrist Franklin Harry of Best Foot Forward in Festus says modern-day humans have walking challenges the cavemen never faced.
“We all have different feet, but we all walk on the same hard, flat, unnatural surfaces,” he said.
One of the specialties of his medical practice – 1455 Hwy. 61, across from Mercy Hospital Jefferson in Crystal City – is fall prevention.
Harry said for many of his older patients, conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, diabetes and arthritis can cause changes in gait that contribute to falls.
“All it takes is one fall to injure a hip, a knee, a back – even to crack your head,” he said. “A fall can dramatically change the way people walk for the rest of their lives.”
Harry offers a variety of treatments to help seniors walk more comfortably and safely.
“I did a fellowship for a year with the designer of a balance brace,” he said. “I trained on how to diagnose and correct patients’ walks, and to pair each person’s gait abnormality with the appropriate device.”
Sometimes the solution can be as minor as a change in posture.
“Sometimes it will involve bracing, arch supports, shoe inserts – whatever we need to help transfer forces from the body to the earth in a more efficient way.”
He said eye diseases, hearing problems or changes in medications can cause changes in balance and depth perception.
“There are so many factors involved (in walking),” Harry said. “The most important thing is to work closely with the patient, their family and their doctor as their health evolves over time.
He said people often don’t realize how important foot health is to mobility.
“That’s what I do as a fall prevention specialist – help stabilize the base so the tree doesn’t fall over. I hope to help keep seniors on their feet for many years to come.”
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 636-224-8297.
