Balance problems are one of the most common reasons that aging patients seek medical treatment. At his practice in Boynton Beach, Florida, board-certified pain medicine and physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist Stuart A. Rubin, MD, MPH, diagnoses balance problems and provides treatment tailored to help restore your balance and reduce your risk of falling. Call Dr. Rubin today or schedule a consultation online for expert treatment for balance problems.
While aging patients aren’t the only people who experience balance problems, they’re more likely to sustain serious and long-term injuries as the result of a fall. Some of the most common balance problems include:
BPPV is a prevalent inner ear disorder caused by head injuries, ear infections, and aging. You experience severe vertigo when you move your head.
A stroke can cause a variety of physical symptoms, such as muscle weakness, spasticity, and contraction, that can increase your risk of falling.
Ménière’s disease is another inner ear disorder that can cause vertigo and hearing loss. It often begins in early or middle adulthood but can persist as you age, especially when left untreated.
Labyrinthitis is inflammation in your inner ear that causes balance problems. You might develop labyrinthitis if you get the flu.
Ramsay Hunt syndrome is a complication of shingles. When you have shingles, the virus can attack the facial nerves near your ear, which leads to pain, hearing loss, and balance problems.
Chronic conditions like Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer’s disease can also cause balance problems. Diabetes complications, including neuropathy and foot ulcers, can disrupt your balance as well.
You should make an appointment with Dr. Rubin if you experience any signs of a balance disorder such as:
Your symptoms might come and go, but you should never ignore them. If you fall, Dr. Rubin evaluates your balance as part of your exam so he can incorporate the appropriate treatment to address why you fell, as well as treatment for any related injuries.
Dr. Rubin offers personalized therapeutic programs to address the physical factors that contribute to your balance problem. He might recommend physical therapy to improve your strength and flexibility, enhancing your core strength and balance.
Dr. Rubin might also recommend joint injections to heal painful joints or regenerative medicine to accelerate tissue repair. In some cases, he might suggest acupuncture to address neuropathic pain and muscle imbalances.
If you’re concerned about a balance problem or want to reduce your risk of falling, call Dr. Rubin’s office or make an appointment online today.
