I Feel Unsteady on My Feet – What Can I Do?

Feeling unsteady on your feet is worth paying attention to, particularly if it is affecting your confidence, walking or willingness to leave the house. There are many possible causes, so the right response depends on whether the problem has developed gradually or appeared suddenly.

Look at when the unsteadiness happens

Notice whether you feel less steady when turning, walking on uneven ground, standing up, using stairs or when you are tired. This can provide useful information during an assessment.

Strength can be part of the problem

Reduced leg strength can make walking, stepping and recovering from a small loss of balance more difficult. Sit-to-stands, calf raises, step-ups and hip strengthening may form part of a rehabilitation programme.

Balance can be trained

Balance exercises can progress from supported standing to narrower stances, stepping, turning and reaching. Use stable support when needed and avoid starting with exercises that put you at unnecessary risk of falling.

Review your walking aid if you use one

A stick or frame should be the correct height and used appropriately. The right aid can increase independence rather than represent a failure to progress.

When should you seek medical advice?

Sudden loss of balance, new weakness, new speech or facial changes, severe new dizziness, repeated unexplained falls or a rapid decline in mobility require appropriate medical assessment. New unsteadiness should not automatically be treated as an exercise-only problem.

If the change has been gradual

A physiotherapy assessment can look at leg strength, standing balance, walking, turning, sit-to-stand and walking-aid use, then create a programme based on the findings.