Why Do I Keep Losing My Balance When I Turn?

Turning can expose balance difficulties that are not obvious during straight-line walking. It requires you to slow down, change direction, move your feet and control your bodyweight at the same time.

Take several small steps

Rather than pivoting quickly on one foot, practise turning with several controlled steps. This gives you a wider opportunity to adjust your balance.

Practise both directions

People often have one direction that feels easier. Practise slow turns both ways in a safe environment with support nearby if needed.

Strength affects turning

Weak hips and legs can make it harder to transfer weight between the feet. Sit-to-stands, step-ups and hip strengthening may therefore form part of rehabilitation.

Add stepping and direction changes

Once basic turning is comfortable, practise forward, sideways and backward stepping and controlled changes of direction.

Dizziness is different from unsteadiness

If turning causes spinning, significant dizziness or light-headedness rather than simply poor balance, further assessment may be needed.

When should you seek urgent advice?

Sudden severe dizziness, new facial or speech changes, new weakness, sudden loss of coordination or a rapid new balance problem requires urgent medical assessment.