What does episodic mobility mean?
Episodic mobility does not refer to one specific condition. Rather, it refers to individuals who experience a temporary reduction in mobility and agility: it’s not a consistent problem but something occasional.
Sufferers may experience unsteadiness as they walk, be more vulnerable to falls and could require help getting in and out of a chair. But what causes episodic mobility?
What causes episodic mobility issues?
Episodic and general mobility issues can be caused by several factors, including:
1. Old age
As we age, the body naturally loses muscle mass and becomes frailer. With this loss of strength and weakening of the joints comes difficulty completing simple tasks, like moving, rising from chairs and balancing.
Queen Elizabeth II was 96 when she was reportedly experiencing these issues, so she began using mobility aids, like walking sticks and a wheelchair-friendly lift.
2. Obesity
According to this 2018 study, having excess body weight could directly impact the joints and increase the risk of osteoarthritis. It can also change your postural control, pain and muscle weakness, leading to functional limitations.
While you may still be able to get around, you may experience periods of episodic mobility that lead to a reliance on walking aids or a mobility scooter.
3. Chronic diseases
Some chronic diseases are manageable with the right medication and physical rehabilitation. However, this doesn’t mean patients will always experience full mobility.
Common chronic conditions and diseases that may cause episodic mobility include:
- Arthritis: This inflammatory condition affects the joints, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. The symptoms can vary from day to day, leading to episodic mobility issues.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS): MS is a neurological condition where the immune system attacks the protective covering of nerve fibres. It can lead to muscle weakness, balance issues, and spasms, causing intermittent mobility challenges.
Osteoporosis: This condition weakens bones, making them more susceptible to fractures. A person with osteoporosis might experience episodic mobility issues, especially after a fracture or because of pain.
Diabetes: Neuropathy, a common complication of diabetes, can lead to numbness, tingling, and pain in the feet and legs, affecting mobility. Additionally, poor blood circulation due to diabetes can cause muscle cramps and weakness.
Stroke: A stroke can result in partial paralysis or weakness on one side of the body. While rehabilitation can help regain some mobility, there might be days when movement is more challenging than others.
4. Low physical activity
Many health experts believe the key to avoiding episodic mobility in old age is to be physically active while we can. It can be a form of intervention (as shown in this National Institute on Ageing study).
On the other hand, low physical activity (or sedentary behaviour) can directly affect our body long-term and perhaps increase the risk of episodic mobility.
Physical activities, like walking or running, are essential for maintaining muscle strength and mass. When we lead a sedentary lifestyle, our muscles can weaken and atrophy, which means they decrease in size.
Not getting enough exercise can also impact our joints: they need movement to stay flexible and can become stiff and painful without it. Over time, this may make conditions like arthritis more likely.
