Arthritis can change the way people walk, sit, and move. Their posture and gait will change to compensate for comfort and range of motion, depending on the affected joint or where the arthritis is located.
Negative effects of gait and posture changes are often challenging, awkward, and uncomfortable. However, they can have long term consequences such as:
- Arthritic developments in other joints – because of compensation and a change in posture or the way you walk, other joints may develop arthritis.
- A change in gait increases your risk of falling. Because of the awkwardness of walking differently and standing perhaps off balance, falling is common. It can also lead to more issues like broken bones or post-traumatic arthritis pain.
How to Prevent & Correct Gait Changes
Exercises
While arthritis cannot be prevented, you are able to slow the progression of arthritis.. Exercises to strengthen the muscles around the hip and knee help improve balance. Exercises that focus on core strength and balance like yoga, or Pilates are key to preventing arthritis-related posture and gait changes.
Always check with your doctor before beginning an exercise regimen because certain exercises will not help and could in fact make pain more uncomfortable. Walking will improve arthritis pain because it increases blood circulation to the joints.
Devices to Assist
If you have existing gait changes, using a cane or walker may be necessary to help correct the issue. Using an assistive device prevents limping or imbalance. It can also reduce pain that is caused by arthritic changes in gait or posture.
When using a cane, use the opposite hand to the injury to improve balance. In the event that hand and wrist pain are present, crutches that keep the pressure on the forearms are helpful. Not only do assistive devices help correct gait changes, but help people suffering from arthritis regain mobility and independence.
Physical Therapy
To increase strength and improve joint function, your doctor may refer you to a physical therapist. Physical therapists help identify abnormalities in your gait or posture and can design a treatment plan to retrain your body and joints to correct any issues.
If you’ve had gait problems for a long time, it can become a “new normal,” making it tricky to unlearn that pattern.
Podiatric Care & the Right Shoes
Seeing a podiatrist early on in an arthritis diagnosis can prevent further damage. They will help you find proper-fitting shoes, insoles, or fit custom ones for you. The right pair of shoes help promote proper walking or running. Ideally, firm shoes with a stiff sole help the most.
If you think you need gait or posture correction due to arthritis, contact Dr. Mark Hawass at ArthritisVIP.
