Judging life span from walking posture

Everyone has their own habitual walking gait, but did you know that it may contain some secrets about your health? The editor has summarized 8 walking gaits, which can provide you with some health warning signals.

Clue 1: Walking very slowly

Warning: Short lifespan

The study concluded that walking speed can well predict life expectancy, and is relatively more accurate in people over 75 years old. The average walking speed of an average person is 0.9 meters per second. Those who walk slower than 0.6 meters per second have an increased chance of death, while those who walk faster than 1 meter per second have a longer life span.

Clue 2: Don’t shake your arms when you walk

Warning: There is a problem in the lower back

Physiologists believe that when you step your left leg forward while walking, your spine rotates to the right and your right arm swings with it. If someone doesn't swing their arms much when they walk, it may mean that their back mobility is restricted, which can lead to back pain and injury.

Expert advice: Correct your walking posture by correcting your standing posture

To correct bad walking posture, start by correcting your standing posture. You can check yourself in front of a large mirror at home. When people look in the mirror, they can't help but straighten their chests and raise their heads. Then, when walking, make sure to maintain a correct posture, without leaning to the side or forward.

The correct posture when walking should be: eyes looking straight ahead, head slightly raised, neck upright, chest naturally pushed forward, waist straight, abdomen retracted, buttocks slightly protruding backwards, and the focus of the back push when walking should be on the inner side of the metatarsophalangeal joint.

Clue 3: The sole of the foot hits the ground first

Warning: Herniated disc or stroke

When a healthy person takes a step, the heel touches the ground first. If someone walks with the sole of the foot hitting the ground first, it is mostly because their muscle control is weak, which means that they may have a stroke or a herniated disc, compressing the nerves and causing damage to the muscle and nerve function.

Clue 4: Small stride

Warning: Knee bone degeneration

The moment your heels touch the ground, your knees should remain straight. If this is not the case, it could mean that there may be a limitation in the mobility of the kneecap or the extension of the hip, which can be addressed with massage.

Clue 5: Bow-legged

Warning: Osteoarthritis

Orthopedic surgeons believe that this gait is usually caused by knee arthritis. Up to 85% of the population suffers from this orthopedic disease to some extent. It is usually caused by bone loss due to aging. If it is serious, it can be corrected with a brace.

Clue 6: Inward-facing toes

Warning: Rheumatoid Arthritis

This inflammation can cause a pigeon-toed gait, which occurs in 85% of people with rheumatoid arthritis. It is medically known as genu valgum or valgus foot, and is characterized by the inability to straighten the lower leg and its bending outward. This gait is very distinctive and looks awkward, with the knees pulled together and the ankles turned outward.

Clue 7: Walking on tiptoes

Warning: Possible brain damage

Walking on tiptoe is associated with muscle tension, which can also occur when there is damage to the spine or brain. It should be noted that children who are just learning to walk will often temporarily have this gait. There is no need to worry. If it persists, you can take your child to a pediatrician for examination.

Clue 8: Walking with a hop

Warning: Calf muscles are too tight

This gait is more common in women. Podiatrists believe that this is because they wear high heels for a long time, which causes their calf muscles to be too tight and their heels to lift up quickly as soon as they touch the ground. It is recommended that they wear high heels less often.