Can a bad knee cause balance problems?

A recent study found that two main risk factors for falls among people with knee osteoarthritis are impaired balance and muscle weakness. “Our balance comes from our eyes, an organ in the inner ear and information from our muscles and joints,” explains physical therapist Mary Morrison, PT, DScPT.

Can arthritis make you off balance?

In patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), balance can be impaired because of impaired joint proprioception secondary to foot deformities and arthritis seen in lower extremities (LEs), muscle weakness and limitation of joint movements, or central nervous system impairment.

Does osteoarthritis cause poor balance?

Osteoarthritis (OA) does more than make your joints sore and stiff. Damage to your knees and hips can also interfere with your balance and mobility, increasing your risk for a fall and making you more likely to fracture a bone in the process. About half of people with OA report having fallen in the past year.

Does arthritis make you unsteady?

This is called an antalgic gait,” she says, more commonly known as a limp. In addition, “weakness in the muscles around the hip and knee often occur in patients with arthritis,” Dr. Hogan says. “For example, it is quite common that patients will have poor balance and are unable to stand only on one leg.

What causes unbalanced walking?

Loss of balance or unsteadiness 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).

Can arthritis cause dizzy spells?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that can cause headaches. Some RA treatments and complications can also cause dizziness. RA mainly targets the synovial tissue that lines the joints, and the primary symptoms are joint pain and swelling.

Does osteoarthritis cause dizziness?

Cervical spondylosis (advanced neck osteoarthritis) may be another potential cause of neck-related dizziness. This condition causes your vertebrae and neck disks to wear and tear over time.

Is walking good for knee arthritis?

Walking is a fantastic option for many patients with knee arthritis because it is a low-impact activity that does not put undue stress on the joints. Furthermore, walking can increase the knee’s range of motion and keep it from becoming overly stiff.

How do you get rid of feeling off balance?

If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down at once. This will lower your chance of falling down. If you have vertigo, it may help to lie down in a dark, quiet place with your eyes closed. Drinking water may also give you fast relief, especially if you’re dizzy because you’re dehydrated.