Are You Walking Right? Understanding Abnormal Gait.

Understanding abnormal gait

An abnormal gait occurs when there is a change in the way you walk. We all have our own unique walking styles, but sometimes injuries or certain เล่น UFABET ผ่านมือถือ สะดวกทุกที่ ทุกเวลา diseases can cause our gait to go off-track.

Signs of an abnormal gait include:

• Limping
• Dragging your toes
• Shuffling your feet
• Taking short steps
• Experiencing coordination problems
• Having trouble supporting your body weight.

What’s causing your abnormal gait?

There can be various reasons behind an abnormal gait. Common culprits include joint pain, leg and feet injuries, arthritis, and nerve damage. Even issues with your inner ear or vision can mess with your walking style.

Some medical conditions, such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and herniated spinal disc, can also contribute to gait abnormalities.

Types of abnormal gait

There are many different types of gait abnormalities. Common gait abnormalities include:

Antalgic gait

Often known as the limping gait, this occurs when pain in the lower limb causes you to adjust your stride.

Parkinsonian gait

Usually seen in patients with Parkinson’s disease. This gait leads to a shuffling walk, where the head, neck and lower legs flexe forward with a rigid posture. Affected individuals usually take short, fast steps to maintain the centre of gravity.

Spastic (hemiplegic) gait

Caused by stroke on the opposite side of the brain. This gait results in stiff arms or legs as well as dragging or swinging of the lower leg in a semi-circular motion (circumduction) when the leg is lifted. It is very common in people diagnosed with cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis.

Steppage gait (foot drop)

Also known as neuropathic gait, this gait is characterised by foot drop. With the toes pointing down and scraping the ground as the person walks. Affected individuals tend to compensate by raising the thigh higher than usual when walking.

Ataxic gait

These are broad-based gaits. Where the individual exhibits uncoordinated movement. Inability to control distance, speed and range of motion due to cerebellar degeneration.