When healthy, it’s easy to take our ability to walk without difficulty for granted. We may be able to walk several hours without issue. However, as our habits change and as we age, we may notice greater difficulties with walking even shorter distances. People can develop difficulty with walking due to a number of reasons,
Gait, or the way you walk, is a fundamental aspect of mobility and can significantly affect your overall health and well-being. Proper gait mechanics ensure efficient and effective movement and can reduce the risk of injury. On the other hand, an abnormal gait can cause discomfort and pain, leading to decreased mobility and reduced quality
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
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
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
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
Our ability to maintain balance when sitting, standing, and walking is necessary for completion of activities of daily living. Balance is a complex interaction of body systems that, if one or more are impaired, can affect your ability to confidently go about your day. In order to understand our position in relation to our surroundings,
Falls are common, but serious events that have the potential to lead to life-altering injuries. In fact, 20% of falls result in injury like fractures or head/brain injuries. Although falls can happen at any age, they are more common in older people. It is estimated that at least 3 million older people go to the
Did you know? Each year, about 86,000 fall injuries involve dogs and cats. Women are 2xs more likely to be injured than men. The highest fracture rates are among adults aged 75 and older. Our furry companions can be loyal friends and provide us unconditional love, but pets, their toys, and food bowls can also
