Balance Problems in The Elderly
Older adults are prone to dizziness and balance problems. There is an increased risk of falling because the body is not as efficient as it used to be. Understanding balance problems in the elderly can help with treatment and reduce the risk of falls.
Fortunately, physical therapy in Scottsdale, AZ, can help. This treatment considers your underlying medical condition and the severity of your symptoms. Your physical therapist can create a tailored treatment program to help you manage your symptoms.
What Are The Symptoms Of Balance Problems In The Elderly?
Besides increasing the risk of falls, balance problems in the elderly are present with other symptoms, including;
- Feeling faint
- Unsteadiness
- Blurred vision
- Feeling as if everything around you is spinning
- Confusion
You should seek medical attention if these symptoms are severe, interfere with your daily life, or put your safety at risk.
What Causes Balance Problems In The Elderly?
Balance problems in the elderly can result from several causes, including;
Inner Ear Problems
The inner ear contains the vestibular system, which is responsible for balance. If this system is not working properly, it can cause loss of balance, nausea, and a spinning sensation. Common problems with the vestibular system include infection, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), and Meniere’s disease.
Low Blood Pressure
Sudden and extreme changes in blood pressure can impact blood flow to the brain, resulting in dizziness. You may experience a drop in blood pressure if you stand up suddenly from a sitting or lying position. Dehydration, low blood sugar, and certain medications can trigger low blood pressure in seniors, leading to balance problems.
Medications
Certain medications have side effects, including dizziness and drowsiness. For instance, drugs used to treat depression, anxiety, insomnia, and diabetes may cause balance problems. Also, herbs and supplements, like St. John’s wort, can cause balance problems.
Impaired Vision
The eyes and ears work together for stability. Due to age, seniors are prone to vision problems like glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration. These conditions affect balance control. They also make it difficult to avoid obstacles when moving around.
Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is a common problem in seniors. This condition makes it difficult for seniors to be aware of their surroundings, and the brain can also not interpret sound inputs from other senses, causing balance problems.
Poor Nutrition
Poor nutrition is another cause of balance problems in the elderly. For instance, low iron levels may make you anaemic, leading to weakness and dizziness.
Neurological Disorders
Neurological disorders affect the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. These disorders make it difficult for the nervous system to communicate with the brain, leading to balance problems. Seniors are at risk of developing neurological disorders as they age.
What Neurological Disorders Cause Balance Problems?
As earlier mentioned, age is a risk factor for neurological problems. Common neurological disorders that can cause balance problems in the elderly include;
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Spinal cord injuries
- Diabetes
- Stroke
- Kidney disease
- Autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, etc.
How Are Balance Problems Diagnosed?
Your physical therapist will carry out an extensive examination of your medical history. They will also ask you questions about your condition, such as;
- How often do you experience balance problems?
- Are the problems worse at night or in dark rooms?
- Do you feel off-balance, or does the room spin?
- How many times have you fallen in the past year?
- Hass falling resulted in an injury or a visit to a hospital?
- What medications do you take?
- Do you have trouble carrying out your daily activities?
- Do you have other medical conditions or problems?
These questions and other physical ability tests can help your physical therapist diagnose your condition and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
What Is The Best Treatment For Balance Problems In The Elderly?
There are several treatments for balance problems in the elderly. Your physical therapist will examine your condition to create a tailored treatment plan for your needs. The best treatment will depend on the cause of your balance problems, symptoms, and medical history.
Some of the treatments your physical therapist may prescribe include;
Diet and Lifestyle Changes
Your diet is essential when treating balance problems. For instance, your doctor may recommend lowering your salt intake if your balance problem stems from high blood pressure. Also, maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the likelihood of dizziness.
Other lifestyle changes include exercising regularly and drinking plenty of fluids. However, avoid drinking alcohol as it can cause dehydration. In addition, don't stand up too quickly from a sitting or lying position to prevent sudden low blood pressure.
Vestibular Rehabilitation
Vestibular rehabilitation is a popular technique used during balance therapy in Scottsdale, AZ. This technique addresses problems with the vestibular system. Before prescribing this treatment, your physical therapist will examine your gait, balance, strength, and flexibility and create a tailored treatment plan.
Vestibular rehabilitation may include stretching, strengthening, balance retraining, and eye movement control exercises.
The duration of your treatment will depend on the severity of your condition and your response to treatment.
Canalith Positioning Procedure
The canalith positioning procedure is also known as the Epley manoeuvre. This treatment is prescribed if the cause of your balance problem is BPPV.
The Epley manoeuvre involves manoeuvring your head position to clear calcium crystal particles out of your inner ear and deposit them in a different area of the ear.
Strength Training
Strengthening exercises can strengthen your lower body muscles, providing more support and reducing your risk of falls. Your physical therapist will recommend exercises that can improve your strength. These exercises are easy to do and are not too intensive.
Movement Coaching
Physical therapy for balance problems in the elderly involves movement coaching. Your physical therapist will examine your gait and walking patterns. They can notice movement habits that may increase your risk of falling over. You can then learn new habits and proper posture for walking.
Assistive Devices
Assistive devices are ideal for increasing balance in seniors with moderate to severe balance issues and reducing the risk of falls. Common assistive devices for the elderly include canes, wheelchairs, rollators, crutches, and walkers.
What Are The Best Exercises For Balance Problems In The Elderly?
Although several exercises may help with balance problems, it is ideal to consult your physical therapist to know how to do the exercises safely. It is also advisable to have your caregiver around.
Some of the best exercises for balance problems in seniors include;
Single Leg Balance
You can hold on to a chair when starting this exercise
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart
- Extend your arms to the sides
- Slowly lift your right knee off the floor
- Straighten your leg out in front of you
- Hold the position for 30 seconds
- Relax
- Repeat on both legs at least three times
Heel-to-toe Walking
You can do this exercise near a wall for extra support if you are unsteady on your feet.
- Stand tall with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Hold your arms out at your sides, palms facing the floor. Keep your shoulders down as you do this.
- Take one step forward with your left foot. Let your left heel touch your right toes.
- Walk in a straight line, placing each foot directly in front of the other with every step.
- Continue this walking pattern for 20 to 30 paces
Sit-to-stand
This exercise builds strength and improves your balance to reduce your fall risk.
- Sit on a sturdy chair of standard height with your feet flat on the ground. Have a countertop or table in front of you to reach for support if you feel unsteady while standing.
- Scoot forward so your buttocks are positioned at the front of the seat. Keep your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Lean your chest forward over your toes and shift your body weight forward
- Squeeze your gluteal muscles and slowly rise to a standing position
- Slowly sit back down to the starting position
- Repeat 10 to 15 times
Flamingo Stand
This exercise stabilizes your core and hip muscles. Stand near a wall to steady yourself.
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart
- Touch your hands to a wall
- Raise your left leg to your hip as though you are marching
- Lower the leg and lift your right leg
- Increase the difficulty by raising your legs higher or going a little faster.
- Repeat 10 to 20 times for both sides
How To Prevent Falls
After treatment, it is essential to make your environment safe to minimize the risk of falls. You can do this by;
- Removing fall hazards like loose carpeting, cords, and slippery surfaces
- Keeping your space well-lit
- Using supportive devices like walkers or canes
- Wearing supportive shoes with non-slip soles
- Getting up slowly from a sitting or lying position
In Conclusion,
Balance problems are common in the elderly. It can result from poor nutrition or underlying medical conditions. If you feel severe dizziness, faint, or like you may fall, consult physical therapy in Scottsdale AZ for appropriate treatment. Your physical therapist will diagnose your condition and develop a tailored treatment plan.
Schedule an appointment with us today!