Are you feeling off-kilter? If your balance issues have already become persistent, one mistake you cannot afford to make is thinking they will just go away on their own.
The first step toward seeking effective treatment for balance loss is to know what could be causing it. Below, we’ve outlined a few of the most common potential causes of balance loss.
Peripheral Neuropathy or Nerve Damage
Peripheral neuropathy, which is caused by damage to the nerves outside the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), causes tingling sensation, numbness, weakness, and/or pain in the hands, legs, and feet.
When people do not have full sensory capabilities in their feet and legs, it can make it hard for them to know when their feet have hit the floor, or if they’re taking large enough strides, both of which are crucial for maintaining balance while walking.
Joint And Muscle Problems
With age comes wear and tear, which can take a toll on your muscles and joints. When your muscles become weak and decrease in size, they are not capable of providing the force to keep you upright and help you maintain balance.
In addition, when your joints degrade and become unstable, not only can they become painful, but their range of motion can also become limited. Not being able to extend your legs and knees all the way can lead to an unsteady or shuffling gait, and consequently, balance loss.
Neurological Conditions
The most common neurological condition associated with loss of balance is Parkinson’s disease. People with this condition experience uncontrollable tremors and involuntary muscle movements that can make ambulation difficult.
Medications
Although medications are essentially made to help people feel better, there are those that have serious side effects, including increased risk for falls. Examples of drugs that can contribute to or cause balance loss are blood pressure medications (e.g., alpha blockers and ACE inhibitors); anti-anxiety and antidepressants; and even pain medications, such as opioids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Neuropathy Doctor Near Me
At NIVA Health, our Neuropathy Program has helped scores of patients get back to living their best lives. Our program features Sanexas therapy, which uses electrical signals at varying wavelengths to generate a harmonic resonant vibration in the nerve cells as well as the tissues around them. The vibration is what activates the body’s regeneration processes and promotes healing.
To learn more about our Neuropathy Program, click here to contact our location nearest you, or fill out our online form to request an appointment. We have several locations: in Woodstock, GA; St. Augustine, FL; Jacksonville, FL; Manalapan, FL; Melbourne, FL; Naperville, IL; Wixom, MI; and Wauwatosa, MI. We’re eager to be a part of your journey to a pain-free life!
