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And that’s not all. Speed, rhythm, how high you lift your knees, if there’s arm swinging involved and even the way you move your pelvis all play an integral role in a healthy gait.
A closer look at your gait would involve a visual assessment and computerized analysis to determine your balance, length of stride, timing between each step and the symmetry of both legs. If you’re diabetic, Dr. Daniels would look for pressure points that could lead to ulcerations.
Related: Walking at This Pace Reduces a Common Heart Problem by 43%
Why Your Walking Gait Matters
If you notice any impairments in your gait—especially if you suddenly can’t walk straight—it’s essential to contact your healthcare provider to determine what the underlying problem is. Depending on the diagnosis, early detection and action can possibly resolve the issue before it gets worse.
Related: Exactly How Many Minutes of Walking You Need To Do Per Day To Boost Heart Health
In fact, you don’t need high-tech equipment to stay on top of your gait health. Dr. Daniels breaks down two tests below.
Related: This One Change Will Make Your Walks More Effective, According to Personal Trainers
Walking forward test
And in general, one of your shoes should never wear out quicker than the other. If it does, it’s time to get checked out pronto.
“Frequent stumbling or poor balance can be neurological in nature (stroke, neuropathy, etc). A wide, drunken-looking gait may indicate an alcohol or drug interaction or possible medication toxicity and balance dysfunction,” Dr. Masri explains.
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Sources:
Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Anemia: Symptoms, causes & treatment options.Cleveland Clinic. (2024, September 24). Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid): Symptoms & treatment.Iovino, P., Bucci, C., Tremolaterra, F., Santonicola, A., & Chiarioni, G. (2014). Bloating and functional gastrointestinal disorders: Where are we and where are we going?World Journal of Gastroenterology, 20(39), 14407–14419.Dr. Joey Masri, doctor of physical therapy (DPT), strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS) at Vice City Sports MedicineStudenski, S., Perera, S., Patel, K., Rosano, C., Faulkner, K., Inzitari, M., Brach, J., Chandler, J., Cawthon, P., Barrett Connor, E., Nevitt, M., Visser, M., Kritchevsky, S., Badinelli, S., Harris, T., Newman, A. B., Cauley, J., Ferrucci, L., & Guralnik, J. (2011). Gait speed and survival in older adults.JAMA, 305(1), 50–58.Dr. Michael Owens, DPM, with Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists (NIFAS)Dr. Mikel Daniels, board-certified podiatrist, president and chief medical officer at WeTreatFeet PodiatryDr. James Gamrat, director of physical therapy, PT, DPT at Spine & Health Center of New JerseyHence then, the article about here s exactly what your walking gait can tell you about your health was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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