Arthritis is a general term that means inflammation of the joints. Osteoarthritis, commonly known as wear and tear arthritis, is the most common type of arthritis. It is associated with a breakdown of cartilage in joints and can occur in almost any joint in the body.
Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatments. 1  Loss of balance could be a very disabling problem. This is especially true in the elderly where a fall cold be life threatening. 2  A very common cause of imbalance is caused by the disease of the nerves, which causes two problems. If the nerves responsible for sensation stop working, then the limbs become numb and the brain can no longer feel where the legs are causing loss of balance.
Inner ear infection or inflammation can make you feel dizzy and unsteady. The flu or an upper respiratory infection can cause this condition. Meniereâs disease changes the volume of fluid in your ear, causing balance problems, hearing loss, and ringing in your ears. Its cause is unknown.