Everyone has their own habitual walking gait, but did you know that it may hold some secrets about health? The American “Care” website published a study by experts from the American Society of Orthopedic Surgery, summarizing eight walking gait, which can provide you with some health warning signs.
Clue one: walking very slowly
Warning: Short life expectancy
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have concluded from nine studies that walking speed is a good predictor of longevity and is relatively accurate in people over 75. The average person walks at 0.9 meters per second, and those who walk at less than 0.6 meters per second are more likely to die, while those who walk at more than 1 meter per second live longer.
Clue 2: No arm shake when walking
Early warning: problems in the lower back
Physiologists believe that when walking with the left leg forward, the spine will rotate to the right and the right arm will swing with it. If someone’s arm doesn’t swing much when walking, it may mean that the mobility of his back is restricted and prone to back pain and injury.
Clue 3: Palm of the foot taps the ground first
Early warning: herniated disc or stroke
According to the former president of the American Podiatric Association, when a healthy person takes a step, the heel first touches the ground. If someone walks with the palm of the foot slapping the ground first, it is mostly due to their weak muscle control strength, which means that a stroke attack or a herniated disc, which compresses the nerve causing impaired muscle nerve function, may be the cause.
Clue four: small stride length
Early warning: degeneration of knee bones
The knee should remain straight the moment the heel touches the ground. If this is not the case, it means that the mobility of the kneecap or the ability to extend the hip may be limited, and this degeneration can be addressed by massage and massage.
Clue 5: Rotator cuffs
Early warning: osteoarthritis
Plastic surgeons believe that this gait is usually caused by knee osteoarthritis, and up to 85% of the population suffers from this orthopedic condition to a greater or lesser extent, usually due to bone loss caused by aging, which can be corrected by bracing if severe.
Clue 6: Inward Beveling
Early warning: rheumatoid arthritis
This inflammatory condition causes an inward eight gait, and 85% of people with rheumatoid arthritis will exhibit this feature. It is medically known as valgus knee or valgus foot and is manifested by an inability to straighten the lower leg and a bending to the outside. This gait is very distinctive and looks awkward, with the knees together and the ankle turned out.
Clue #7: Walking on tiptoe
Early warning: possible brain damage
Walking on tiptoe with both feet is associated with muscle tension, which can also occur when there is damage to the spine or brain. It is important to note that children who are just learning to walk tend to have this gait temporarily and there is no need to worry about it. If it persists, take your child to a pediatrician for a screening.
Clue 8: Jumping and walking
Early warning: calf muscles are too tight
The first thing you need to do is to get a good idea of what you’re doing. ▲
