Gait refers to the pattern of limb movements when a person walks. Balance is the ability of the body to maintain its center of gravity while staying upright.
Both gait and balance rely on a complex interplay between the brain, nervous system, sensory organs, and musculoskeletal system. A problem in any of these areas can cause difficulties with gait and balance and may increase the risk of falling.
Some people have gait problems without any changes in their balance. But if a person has trouble with balance, it usually affects their gait.
A person with a gait problem, a balance problem, or both might experience:
- Unsteadiness or swaying while walking or standing
- Difficulty rising from a seated position
- Difficulty walking
- A slowed walking pace
- Depending on the underlying cause, a person may also experience:
- Vertigo
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Motion sickness
- Double vision
- Muscle tightness or spasms
- Weakness in the leg muscles
- Weakness on one side of the body
- Numbness in the feet
- Reduced perception of where body parts are in space Causes
- Musculoskeletal injuries
- Problems with the feet, such as corns and calluses
- Degenerative bone diseases, such as arthritis
- Vision problems
- Problems with the inner ear
- Neurological disorders
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Cerebellar disorders, which affect the area of the brain that controls balance and coordination
The treatment for gait and balance problems depends on the underlying cause. Our Physical therapists will conduct tests to determine the source of balance and gait problems before developing a personalized treatment plan.
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