Falls happen to millions of people across the United States each year. In fact, more than one out of four people over 65 years old fall each year and less than half report this to their doctor. Experiencing a fall doubles the chance that you will fall again. Understanding this risk and taking the proper
Demographics A recent study has analyzed the occurrence of falls in the population. The study found that there was an increased risk of falls in: women compared to men and those who are fearful of falling (Lim, 2019). Similarly, there is an increase in occurrence of falls with an increase in age as well as
You may notice that some people lock their knees, step asymmetrically, or lean either forward, backward or to the side when walking. These gait patterns are common throughout the population and they can give insight into underlying deficits that may make daily activities more difficult. This article will review a few of the more common
Osteoarthritis is a common degenerative condition occurring in over 19% of the American population over 45 years old (Del Amo, 2022). The condition frequently affects the knee joint in the body resulting in pain, weakness, stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of motion (ROM). How Do You Know If You Have Osteoarthritis? A diagnosis of Osteoarthritis
Pain in the foot and ankle can affect gait quality, the ability to ascend and descend stairs, and make completion of activities of daily living difficult. It can be caused by a number of factors that will be discussed in this article. Common Foot & Ankle Pathologies Ankle pain can be caused by injury, overuse,
The ability to ascend and descend stairs is necessary for many people to be able to complete their activities of daily living. Several factors can contribute to difficulty with this seemingly-simple skill. Strength Stair negotiation requires adequate strength in several muscle groups in the hips and legs. The gluteal muscles and hamstrings must be able
Osteoarthritis is a common condition that occurs with aging. It is characterized by the degradation of the articular cartilage found at the ends of bones at a joint and commonly affects the hands, hips, knees, and spine. But how does someone get diagnosed with osteoarthritis? Symptoms It is common for those with osteoarthritis to report
Do you experience pain on the bottom of your foot when you stand first thing in the morning? Do you have increased foot pain when standing or walking for long periods? These are common complaints among those who are experiencing plantar fasciitis. In fact, it is estimated that 1 in 10 people will experience this
The CDC estimates that 1 in 4 adults over 65 years old will fall each year. Given this prevalence, you or someone you know could be at risk for falling. Studies have determined a number of factors that can help to quantify a person’s risk for experiencing a fall. Some of these factors can be