Inner Ear Disturbance When seniors start to lose their balance, ordinary daily activities may become more difficult. For aging adults, inner ear disturbances are one of the primary causes of poor balance. Inside the ear is the vestibular system, which can become infected due to respiratory issues or viral infections.

What causes lack of balance in the elderly?

Long-term medical condition that affects the nervous system can have an impact on balance, too. Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and Multiple Sclerosis are just a few. In addition, arthritis, heart problems, and certain medications seniors take for chronic illnesses can all contribute to unsteadiness.

What can seniors do to improve balance?

Read on to find 14 exercises seniors can do to improve their balance.

1. Exercise 1: Single Limb Stance.
2. Exercise 2: Walking Heel to Toe.
3. Exercise 3: Rock the Boat.
4. Exercise 4: Clock Reach.
5. Exercise 5: Back Leg Raises.
6. Exercise 6: Single Limb Stance with Arm.
7. Exercise 7: Side Leg Raise.
8. Exercise 8: Balancing Wand.

Can balance problems be cured?

Your treatment may include: Balance retraining exercises (vestibular rehabilitation). Therapists trained in balance problems design a customized program of balance retraining and exercises. Therapy can help you compensate for imbalance, adapt to less balance and maintain physical activity.

Why am I losing my balance when walking?

Losing your balance while walking, or feeling imbalanced, can result from: Vestibular problems. Abnormalities in your inner ear can cause a sensation of a floating or heavy head and unsteadiness in the dark. Nerve damage to your legs (peripheral neuropathy).

Does walking improve balance?

Walking helps build lower-body strength, an important element of good balance. Walking is safe exercise for most people and, in addition to improving balance, counts toward your aerobic activity goals.

How do I regain my balance?

These exercises can help you or a loved one to regain and maintain their balance:

1. Standing on One Leg. Stand and raise one leg with your knee bent at a 45-degree angle.
2. Walking Heel-to-Toe.
3. Side Stepping.
4. Unassisted Standing.
5. Tai Chi.
6. Pump Your Ankles When You Get Out of Bed.

How do I get my balance back?

Wait! You Can Fall Using a Walker or a Cane?

1. One-leg stands. Stand straight.
2. Heel-to-toe walking. Walk with the heel of the front foot touching the toe of the back foot as you take 10 steps forward.
3. Side-stepping.
4. Unassisted standing from a chair.
5. Tai chi.
6. Ankle pumping when you get out of bed.

What is the best exercise for balance?

Balance Training

• Standing with your weight on one leg and raising the other leg to the side or behind you.
• Putting your heel right in front of your toe, like walking a tightrope.
• Standing up and sitting down from a chair without using your hands.
• Walking while alternating knee lifts with each step.
• Doing tai chi or yoga.

What kind of doctor do you see for balance problems?

To find out if you have a balance problem, your primary doctor may suggest that you see an otolaryngologist and an audiologist. An otolaryngologist is a physician and surgeon who specializes in diseases and disorders of the ear, nose, neck, and throat.

What medical conditions affect balance?

Arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and other degenerative disorders can affect your balance by disrupting normal proprioception. They also interfere with motor control. But even simple muscle fatigue or weakness can cause problems.

What medications cause balance problems?

Medications Can Cause Balance Problems

• Antidepressants.
• Anti-seizure drugs (anticonvulsants)
• Hypertensive (high blood pressure) drugs.
• Sedatives.
• Tranquilizers.
• Anxiolytics (anti-anxiety drugs)
• Antihistamines prescribed to relieve allergy symptoms.
• Aminoglycosides (a type of antibiotic)

What vitamin is good for balance?

Vitamin D may improve muscle strength and function, as well as balance due to the improved strength.

Can dehydration cause balance problems?

Any number of other things can knock your balance off-kilter, Dr. Honaker says. Something relatively minor, like dehydration or fatigue, can cause a bout of unsteadiness.

What neurological conditions cause balance problems?

Causes of Balance Disorders

• decreased blood flow to the brain due to stroke or a chronic condition such as aging.
• traumatic brain injury.
• multiple sclerosis.
• hydrocephalus.
• seizures.
• Parkinson’s disease.
• cerebellar diseases.
• acoustic neuromas and other brain tumors.