Walking and Balance Difficulties

natural ailments

Age, Injuries, and Arthritis Are Some Common Culprits Behind Walking and Balance Difficulties

Does it ever feel like you’re walking on a tightrope? Do you trip over your own feet? That's what walking and balance difficulties feel like!

Walking and balance difficulties can happen for all kinds of reasons, like joint problems, sports injuries, or just getting older. Neurological conditions like Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, or stroke can also disrupt the brain's control over balance and coordination. In Parkinson's disease, the loss of dopamine-producing cells affects movement regulation. Multiple sclerosis damages the cerebellum, which is responsible for coordination, and a stroke can take a toll on motor control regions. These disruptions lead to difficulties in walking and maintaining balance.

person using equipment to restore their balance

Walking and Balance Difficulties Often Lead to Dizziness, Visual Disturbances, and Tingling in Your Feet and Legs

No matter the cause, walking and balance difficulties can make it tough to get around and do what you love. When you have trouble walking or balancing, you might feel dizzy, wobbly, or even take a tumble.

Some people may also experience visual disturbances, such as blurred vision or trouble focusing on objects. On top of that, they may feel numbness or tingling in their feet or legs, making walking even harder. These symptoms happen because certain neurological conditions affect different parts of the brain and nervous system that control both movement and vision.

Physical Therapy Can Be an Effective Solution to Improve Walking, Mobility, and Balance

Physical therapy can be a game-changer in restoring your balance and walking abilities. Your physical therapist will design a customized treatment plan to address your unique needs and goals.

Professionals can guide you through exercises that target specific muscle groups and improve your strength, flexibility, and balance. For example, physical therapists may use gait training exercises to help you re-learn proper walking techniques or routines that challenge you to maintain your balance while moving your arms or legs. They may also use tools like balance boards, resistance bands, or weights to help you build strength and improve your stability. By refining your walking and balance, physical therapy can help you gain greater confidence in your ability to perform everyday tasks, reduce your risk of falls and injuries, and elevate your overall quality of life.

Age, Injuries, and Arthritis Are Some Common Culprits Behind Walking and Balance Difficulties

Walking and Balance Difficulties Often Lead to Dizziness, Visual Disturbances, and Tingling in Your Feet and Legs

Physical Therapy Can Be an Effective Solution to Improve Walking, Mobility, and Balance

Restore your balance, mobility, and health at Bend Physical Therapy. Contact us today.