Experiencing Frequent Trips Last Year
I've been facing a troubling issue over the past year. My medication regimen includes Levothyroxine at .375 mcg and Cymbalta, prescribed at 60 mcg to help manage my depression. Additionally, I've been diagnosed with autoimmune collagenous gastritis. For sleep, I consume a THC/CBN edible, approximately .333 each night; I’ve maintained this habit for about a year after years of occasional marijuana use in college. Furthermore, I take Gabapentin at a dose of 400 mg nightly to assist with sleep. Unfortunately, I’ve noticed a pattern where I often trip while walking, particularly because my right foot inexplicably catches on something. Over the last year during my runs, I’ve fallen about three times due to this issue. Last year, I underwent physical therapy for ITB syndrome affecting my right leg, but I must admit I haven’t been diligent with the prescribed exercises, which primarily targeted my gluteus medius (GM). Recently, I’ve resumed these exercises in the hope of improvement. While walking, my foot doesn’t seem to drag, leading me to wonder if this could simply be related to weakness in my quadriceps or gluteus medius.
Answers (1)
6/30/2025, 4:30:59 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are experiencing frequent trips and falls, which can be quite concerning, especially while trying to manage multiple medications and health conditions. Your symptoms may be related to muscular weakness or coordination issues, particularly in the context of your previous ITB syndrome and exercises targeting the gluteus medius. Here's how to approach your situation effectively.
Explanation
Frequent trips or falls while walking can stem from various factors, including muscle weakness, balance issues, or coordination problems. Since you have a history of ITB syndrome and have identified a focus on strengthening your gluteus medius, it’s understandable to consider whether your quadriceps or other muscle groups might also be contributing. It's important to pay attention to these aspects as they could impact your balance.
Additionally, medications like Gabapentin can sometimes have side effects affecting coordination and balance. THC/CBN edibles may also play a role in your motor skills. Monitoring how these factors interact with your physical activity will be crucial.
Next Steps
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Resume and Increase Physical Therapy Exercises:
- Focus on consistently performing the prescribed glute strengthening exercises. Strengthening the gluteus medius can improve stability and balance.
- Incorporate quadricep-strengthening exercises as well, such as squats and leg raises, which can help support overall leg strength.
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Evaluate Your Medications:
- Consider keeping a log of your symptoms along with any changes in medication or dosage. This can help identify if your medications might be affecting your balance or coordination.
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Practice Balance and Coordination Activities:
- Incorporate simple balance exercises into your routine. Activities like standing on one foot, heel-to-toe walking, or using a balance board can improve your stability.
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Monitor Your Environment:
- Be mindful of your walking surfaces. Try to identify and avoid environments that may increase your chances of tripping (e.g., uneven surfaces, clutter).
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Adjust Your Sleep Aids if Necessary:
- Since Gabapentin and THC/CBN can affect your alertness, evaluate how these substances might interact with your daily functioning. If you notice increased grogginess or coordination issues, consider adjusting their usage.
By focusing on these prioritized steps, you can work towards improving your balance and reducing the frequency of trips. Stay mindful of your progress, and remember to adjust your approach based on what feels effective for you. If these strategies do not lead to improvement or your symptoms worsen, you may need to revisit this with a healthcare provider.
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