Balance is your ability to maintain control while standing, walking, or moving. Your balance system relies on vision, inner ear (vestibular system), and sensory feedback from muscles and joints working together. Fall risk refers to your likelihood of losing balance and falling, which can cause fractures, injuries, or loss of independence.
Balance issues manifest as dizziness, unsteadiness, veering while walking, or difficulty on uneven surfaces. You may experience vertigo, lightheadedness, or instability in dim lighting. Without intervention, balance problems worsen as fear of falling reduces activity, weakening muscles and creating a dangerous cycle of declining confidence and increased fall risk.