detecting disease signals from walking posture at a glance
Experts have found that by observing body movements, including walking, one can detect potential health risks and issue early warnings to raise awareness. The following walking postures may indicate certain health issues.
Clue 1: Walking very slowly
Warning: Short lifespan
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh concluded from nine studies that walking speed can predict lifespan, especially accurately in people over 75 years old.
The average walking speed is 0.9 meters per second. Those who walk slower than 0.6 meters per second have a higher risk of death, while those who walk faster than 1 meter per second tend to live longer.
Clue 2: Not swinging arms while walking
Warning: Lower back issues
Physiologists believe that when you step forward with your left leg, your spine rotates to the right, and your right arm swings accordingly. If someone’s arms don’t swing much while walking, it may indicate limited mobility in the back, leading to pain and injury.
Expert tip: Correct walking posture by first correcting standing posture
Experts suggest that to correct poor walking posture, one should start by correcting their standing posture. At home, you can check yourself in a large mirror. When looking in the mirror, naturally lift your chest and head, and maintain a proper posture while walking, avoiding leaning forward or sideways. The correct walking posture includes looking straight ahead, slightly lifting the head, keeping the neck straight, chest naturally forward, waist straight, abdomen tucked in, hips slightly protruding backward, and the force point of the step focused on the inner side of the metatarsophalangeal joint.
Clue 3: Stepping with the ball of the foot first
Warning: Herniated disc or stroke
The former president of the American Podiatric Medical Association believes that healthy people step with their heel first. If someone steps with the ball of their foot first, it is often due to weak muscle control, which may indicate a stroke or herniated disc pressing on nerves, impairing muscle and nerve function.
Clue 4: Small steps
Warning: Knee joint degeneration
When the heel touches the ground, the knee should remain straight. If not, it may indicate limited mobility in the knee joint or hip extension, which can be addressed through massage therapy.
Clue 5: Bow-legged walking
Warning: Osteoarthritis
Orthopedic experts believe this gait is usually caused by knee arthritis. Up to 85% of people suffer from this orthopedic condition to some extent, often due to age-related bone wear and tear. Severe cases can be corrected with braces.
Clue 6: Pigeon-toed walking
Warning: Rheumatoid arthritis
This inflammation can cause a pigeon-toed gait, with 85% of rheumatoid arthritis patients exhibiting this characteristic. Medically, it is known as genu valgum or valgus foot, where the lower leg cannot straighten and bends outward.
For this gait: It looks very distinctive, appearing clumsy with knees together and ankles turned outward.
Clue 7: Walking on tiptoes
Warning: Possible brain damage
Walking on tiptoes is related to muscle tension, and it can also occur when the spine or brain is damaged.
Note that young children learning to walk often temporarily exhibit this gait, which is not a cause for concern. However, if it persists, consult a pediatrician for evaluation.
Clue 8: Hopping while walking
Warning: Tight calf muscles
This gait is more common in women. Podiatrists believe it is due to prolonged wearing of high heels, causing overly tight calf muscles. When the heel touches the ground, it quickly lifts. It is advisable to wear high heels less often.
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