Don't Let Your Shoes Bring You Down

If you're worried about falling, one quick fix may be to change your shoes, a medical researcher says.

Dr. Carol Frey, former director of the Orthopaedic Hospital's Foot and Ankle Center in Los Angeles, says a study showed a direct link between shoes and injuries from falls.

A study of 185 men and women over age 55 indicating a direct link between shoes and injuries sustained from falls, confirms her view that shoes have a direct effect on balancing and walking.

Shoes to avoid include:

--Those with slippery, worn outer soles.

-- Loose or ill-fitting footwear such as slippers and clogs. Too-large shoes are a hazard. The heel of the shoe should be snug without slipping.

-- Those with lugs or rubber material that rolls over the toe area -- common on most running shoes.

--Those with too much cushioning. They may feel as if you're walking on pillows but can create instability.

For an all-around shoe, you might want to consider walking shoes, which provide good traction and support but do not have heavy soles or rubber over the toes.

--Those that slip on. Shoes that tie are safer than slip-ons because they don't fall off the foot and fit can be adjusted for swelling, orthotics or braces.