Have you ever tripped and lost your balance? The odds are good that you have. What you might not know is that it gets harder to maintain your balance as you get older.
Many older Americans develop balance issues, and this is one reason why about 3 million older people are treated for fall injuries in U.S. hospitals annually. Meeting with a physical therapist can help you learn which balance issue is affecting your life. Additionally, these specialists can help you find effective treatment for many balance and gait problems.
These are three common balance issues in older Americans
Keeping your balance is much more complex than many people realize. There are many parts of your body that must work together seamlessly to keep you balanced. A few of the body parts involved in balance include the brain, the inner ear, the joints and muscles. A problem with any one of these areas can throw off your balance.
However, there are three balance issues that are especially common in American seniors:
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) — This condition occurs in the inner ear. It involves calcium carbonate crystals in the inner ear moving from their normal position into other parts of the inner ear. The movement of these crystals sends false signals to the brain and triggers vertigo. It’s reported that 5.6 million people visit a doctor annually for BPPV.
- Meniere’s disease — This balance disorder also affects the inner ear. Meniere’s disease is caused by a higher than normal level of fluid in the inner ear. This condition affects up to 750,000 Americans, and it leads to symptoms that include vertigo and hearing loss.
- Labyrinthitis — A third common balance problem is labyrinthitis. It occurs when an infection or medical condition causes inflammation of the nerves connecting the inner ear to the brain. Viral labyrinthitis is the most common form of this condition. Common symptoms of this problem are vertigo and difficulty maintaining balance.
Find treatment for balance issues at Panther Physical Therapy
At Panther Physical Therapy, our specialists are primed to help treat many balance problems. We offer free screenings that can help pinpoint what is causing your balance difficulties. Our physical therapists also excel at creating individualized therapy plans designed to help you:
- Improve balance.
- Reduce fall risk.
- Increase joint mobility.
- Boost muscle strength and flexibility.
Contact our team today for more information about the treatments we offer for balance disorders or to schedule an initial appointment.