3 Tips to Adjust Your Gait

/in /by

Your gait, also known as your stride or general manner of walking, can have a lot to do with how well your body fares over time. The problem is that it’s not always easy to see how each step adds up to a more serious issue, like a hip fracture.

The good news is that you don’t necessarily need to do a deep dive into every movement or to immediately purchase custom orthotics in Austin, TX, instead making a few simple adjustments that can all make a big difference to your physical health and long-term mobility.

1. Watch Where You Look

Believe it or not, staring at the ground can throw off your weight. The more you bend your knees forward and flex your hips, the more likely you are to lose your balance. Instead look forward with confidence as much as possible, and take some pressure off your upper back and neck. A healthy gait comes down to maintaining a balance with every stride, no matter how many miles you have to go.

2. Keep Your Shoulders Back

You shouldn’t keep your shoulders back to add swagger (though it can certainly be a fringe benefit), but to reduce your upper-body tension and give your arms the chance to swing. More arm motion can help you maintain balance without even thinking about it. Whether you’re experiencing neck or heel pain or

3. Talk to a Podiatrist for Specific Tips

If you’ve tried a few gait adjustments without much luck, it might help to talk to a professional. Whether you see a chiropractor, physical therapist, or podiatrist in Austin, TX, you can ask for a more nuanced opinion about what’s causing the problem. Your body works as a whole, which is why gait problems can throw off more than just your lower half.

If you have questions about how your gait might be impacting your mobility or causing pain, contact Jeffery LaMour, DPM, PA today! Our staff can tell you more about how your stride affects your feet and we can evaluate how each step puts pressure on different parts of the body. From recommendations to services, we can give you the support you need to get back out there.