As we age, our bodies change, and this is reflected in the way we walk. Muscles lose mass and strength, a process known as sarcopenia, which begins around the age of forty. At the same time, the nervous system no longer functions as efficiently as before, as nerves begin to weaken and their number decreases.
This has a direct impact on walking, which becomes slower and less coordinated over the years. A decline in the rhythm and fluidity of walking can be an early sign of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's disease. This disease disrupts the signals that the brain sends to the muscular system, causing walking to become slower, more erratic, and more unstable.
One of the most important functions of walking is to keep us balanced and prevent falls. For example, the muscles in the front of the calf help the foot to rise when we walk. When this mechanism fails, the foot begins to “drop” and the toes touch the ground, creating a risk of falling. This problem, known as “foot drop,” can be caused by nerve damage, diabetes, or even holding certain positions for a long time, such as cross-legged or in yoga.
If you experience pain in your hips, thighs, or calves while walking and it goes away when you rest, it could be a sign of narrowing of the arteries, a condition known as peripheral arterial disease. The reason is that when you walk, your muscles need more oxygen, but because your arteries are narrowed, blood can't get to your legs. As a result, your muscles work without enough oxygen, which causes pain and a feeling of cramping.
Risk factors for this problem include smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes. A family history of vascular disease can also influence its development.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can affect nerve function and cause problems with walking. In adults, this develops over months or years, while in children it can appear much more quickly, as vitamin B12 plays an important role in the development of the nervous system. In most cases, treatment is simple and involves injections or adding B12-rich foods to the diet, such as meat, fish, eggs and dairy.
Sometimes, balance and gait disorders can be caused by inner ear problems. These usually go away on their own and do not require specific treatment. If you notice that your gait has changed, it is best to take it seriously and consult a doctor. Often, these changes can be early signs of a health problem that can be prevented or treated in time.
Sources: Science Alert
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