I have balance issues. How do I take care of myself?
Knowing why you have balance issues is the first step toward getting better. Here are some suggestions that may help you manage your balance issues:
- Maintain a weight that’s healthy for you.
- Strengthen your core. Your core (the muscles in your midsection or abdomen) helps stabilize your whole body.
- “Fall proof” your surroundings. Balance issues increase your risk of falling. Check the areas where you usually walk and remove items that could trip you up, like rugs and electrical cords.
- Take your time. If you have balance issues, give yourself time to get up if you’ve been sitting down. If you feel unsteady when you get up, walk slowly.
When should I see my healthcare provider?
Contact your healthcare provider if your balance issues get worse after treatment.
What questions should I ask my provider?
Balance issues happen for many different reasons. Here are some questions that may help you understand your balance issues and what can be done to resolve them:
- What’s causing my balance issues?
- What are treatments for the condition causing my balance issues?
- Will my balance issues go away?
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Most people have experienced losing their balance. But ongoing balance issues may be symptoms of underlying medical conditions. It can be disorienting and sometimes frightening to lose your sense of balance. Balance issues can affect your quality of life. If you’re concerned about your sense of balance, talk to a healthcare provider.
