Do You Have Difficulty Walking Due to Balance/Gait Issues?
For Elizabeth, a vibrant 72-year-old retired teacher, life had always been about embracing every moment. She relished spending her days tending to her garden, meeting friends for tea, and sharing stories with her grandchildren. Yet, over time, something began to change, something she couldn’t quite grasp.
It started subtly. Elizabeth noticed that her once-steady gait had become somewhat unsteady. Her confident stride had given way to tentative steps. Each morning, as she rose from her bed, she couldn’t ignore the peculiar feeling of imbalance that now seemed to accompany her every move.
With a touch of anxiety creeping in, Elizabeth began to modify her daily routine. She avoided taking long walks, opting for shorter strolls instead. The thought of climbing stairs made her apprehensive, and she held onto handrails with an iron grip.
One sunny afternoon, over tea with a close friend, Elizabeth finally confided her concerns. Her friend gently suggested that Elizabeth consider seeking physical therapy to help address her balance and gait issues.
Hesitant but determined, Elizabeth decided to take the leap. She scheduled an appointment at Maccio Physical Therapy to assess her condition and hopefully find a way to regain her confidence and mobility.
The First Step: A Comprehensive Evaluation
Elizabeth met with one of our skilled physical therapists with a lot of experience helping individuals like her on the day of her appointment. To begin, her therapist conducted a thorough evaluation, including questions about her medications, vision, and any other health concerns that could impact her stability.
Next, she performed a physical exam that included the following tests:
- Range of motion: The physical therapist assessed her range of motion in the joints of the lower extremities.
- Muskle strength: The therapist also tested her muscle strength in the lower extremities and core.
- Observation: Her physical therapist observed Elizabeth’s walking pattern and looked for abnormalities in her walking.
- Footwear: Finally, her footwear was evaluated to ensure it was appropriate for her daily routine and recreational activities.
As they reviewed the assessment results, her therapist explained that Elizabeth’s gait had patterns that were likely contributing to her feelings of instability and fear of falling. Fortunately, she also reassured her that they could work together to address these issues and help her regain her confidence.
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Next Up: A Fall Risk Assessment
Her therapist also performed a fall risk assessment to get a complete picture. She asked Elizabeth more questions about her daily life, including specific questions about her home environment.
They discussed several measures to reduce obstacles at home that increase fall risks. Here are some common recommendations:
- Remove boxes, newspapers, electrical cords, and any other trip hazards from walkways.
- Move coffee tables, magazine racks, and plant stands from high-traffic areas.
- Secure loose rugs with a slip-resistant backing — or remove loose rugs from the home.
- Place non-skid mats, strips, or carpets on all surfaces that may get wet.
Her therapist then guided Elizabeth through a series of balance tests to identify specific areas of weakness or instability. These tests helped pinpoint the root causes of Elizabeth’s balance issues.
Our Patients Get Great Results!
“I had Achilles tendon surgery and was ordered to have no weight on my left leg for 2 ½ months. By the time I tried to walk, even with crutches, my feet had no muscles and I had peripheral neuropathy. Maccio PT helped me gradually get my strength, balance, and gait back. Now I can walk with a normal gait, can walk 2 miles at a time, and am getting cardio with my home rowing machine and treadmill. I’m sure that if things get worse, I’ll come back to Maccio PT for more good care.” – Nancy
“I was unable to walk for any length/distance without pain. Struggled to go up/down stairs, had a great deal of imbalance/instability due to pain. Could not sleep through the night/roll over without pain. Symptoms are greatly relieved. And I feel like a new person. Highly Recommend!” – Stacy
The Path to Recovery: Personalized Treatment Plan
With a comprehensive understanding of Elizabeth’s condition, her physical therapists designed a treatment plan tailored to her needs. The plan included a combination of mobility work, strengthening exercises, balance and coordination training, and gait activities.
As the weeks passed, Elizabeth noticed a remarkable transformation. Her unsteady steps began to regain their steadiness. She grew more confident with each session, and the fear of falling slowly ebbed away. She practiced walking on different surfaces and navigating obstacles under her therapist’s watchful eye, gradually rebuilding her trust in her abilities.
Sources: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6383322/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3116773/
Regaining Confidence: Progress and Results
Elizabeth’s story is a powerful reminder that balance and gait issues can affect anyone, even without a specific injury or medical condition. Seeking the expertise of one of our skilled physical therapists can make all the difference in regaining confidence, improving mobility, and embracing life to the fullest.
If you or a loved one is struggling with balance and gait issues, don’t let the fear of falling hold you back. Reach out to Maccio Physical Therapy today, and take the first step towards a safer, more stable future!
5 Common Signs That Someone May Be at Risk of Falling
As we go through life, staying safe is a top priority, especially as we get older. It’s crucial to recognize the signs of potential fall risks so we can take steps to protect ourselves.
Here are the five most common signs that someone may be at risk of falling:
- Previous Falls: One of the most telling signs is a history of falls. If someone has fallen before, it’s a clear signal that they might fall again. But falls can happen unexpectedly to anyone, so we must stay aware.
- Balance Matters: Another common indicator is trouble with balance. Feeling unsteady or wobbly while walking or standing still can signal an increased risk of falling.
- Walking Aids: Using walking aids, like canes or walkers, is another sign to watch for. While these tools help many people, relying on them can indicate a higher risk of falling, especially if they’re used all the time.
- Medication Complexity: Taking multiple medications, especially those with side effects like dizziness or balance problems, can increase the chances of falling.
- Home Hazards: Living in a cluttered environment, having poor lighting, or encountering obstacles on the floor can significantly increase the likelihood of tripping or falling.
Recognizing these signs is the first step toward preventing falls. Seeking the guidance of one of our skilled physical therapists can provide invaluable support. We are experts in evaluating these risk factors and creating personalized plans to improve strength, balance, and overall safety.
Greta, Wills, Fritz, & Roberta’s Corner
Your Inner Ear Might Be Affecting Your Balance
According to John Hopkins University, a full third of American adult men and women over the age of 40 are up to 12 times more likely to have a serious fall because they have some sort of inner ear dysfunction that throws them off balance and makes them dizzy.
- 1 out of 3 Americans fall every year, with 10-20% falling twice.
- 95% of hip fractures are from falls.
If you feel unsteady, call 518-273-2121.
