Abnormal Gait: Identifying Types, Causes, and Treatment Options

Many health conditions interfere with the way one walks, thus leading to abnormal gait. The conditions include stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and damaged nerves. Other causes could be due to weak muscles, joint pain or fractures. Sometimes, abnormalities can occur after a surgical procedure, such as hip or knee replacement. Foot issues, such as flat feet or foot drop, can also cause gait dysfunction. 

Long-term management of pathological gait requires consistent practice. Improvement from this conditions needs physical therapy, gait retraining, and the use of assistive devices in order to enable patients to regain function and confidence. Helping patients change gait abnormalities often leads to fall prevention and significantly improves quality of life. Here, you will explore the details of abnormal gait, its types, symptoms, treatment and more. 

What is Abnormal Gait

An unusual walking pattern of an individual is referred as abnormal gait. It may be due to injury, illness, or neurological conditions. This may influence the balance and coordination of walking. Identifying the abnormal gait and its cause aids in disease management. The abnormal gait may present itself in different forms like limping, shuffling, or inability to lift the feet.

Types of Abnormal Gait

There are wide varieties abnormal gaits, each with specific patterns. Each type is associated with a specific condition, each with its specific characteristics. Here are the types of abnormal gait and the significant reason behind it. 

Antalgic Gait

Antalgic gait is developed when a patient avoids pain while walking because they tend to limp as well. It is mostly common after an injury or arthritis, as it causes an ache in their joints. 

For a patient with an antalgic gait, the step length may be reduced in the painful side while making an uneven gait.

Spastic Gait

Spastic gait involves muscle stiffness, resulting in a jerky, stiff walking pattern. It frequently occurs in cerebral palsy and even after a stroke. Affected individuals with spastic gait will drag their feet on the ground or hold their legs glued to the body. Additionally, it may be difficult to move their legs due to resistance, leading to unsteady walking. Such a walk may provoke falls because it is hard to keep balance and coordination.

Propulsive Gait

Propulsive gait is characterised by a shuffling motion in which the patient leans forward and walks on their toes. It is very common in those affected by Parkinson's disease. Patients with such a gait often lack balance and become prone to falls easily. They usually find it hard to initiate or stop walking and then move along with short, rapid strides to make their way forward. This forward tilt creates a sense of urgency as they walk.

Scissors Gait

Scissors gait is another type of gait which can be characterised by crossed legs. This occurs due to the abnormal tightness in the leg muscles. It may be a common condition in cerebral palsy. Individuals tend to take smaller steps, and their legs often hit each other side to side in a scissor-like movement. Scissors gait could pose challenges related to balance and enhance the risk of falls.

Steppage Gait

This type of gait is usually observed in clients who experience difficulty lifting their foot while walking. The cause of this is, their high stepping motion as they tend to elevate their knees higher than usual not to drag their toes.

This condition is mainly associated with patients diagnosed with conditions affecting nerve functioning, such as peripheral neuropathy or foot drop. The client appears to be walking, but it seems like they are trying not to step on their feet.

Waddling Gait

Waddling gait is a side-to-side movement, giving a resemblance to a duck waddle. Most times, this is because of weakness in the hip muscles, or muscular dystrophy. People walk with a wide stance and shift their hips. This will make it challenging to maintain a well-balanced step, but over time, this would tire and discomfort an individual since it takes more work to be stable.

Crouching Gait

Crouching gait is the walk or posture of a patient with bent knees and hips, implying a bent posture. This is most often due to muscular dystrophy or spasticity in the lower limbs. The difficulty experienced by the patient in extending his legs significantly influences his walking mechanics. Individuals will suffer from balance over time and become fatigued.

Common Symptoms of Abnormal Gait

The most common symptoms of abnormal gait include limping, shuffling, dragging of the feet, or any other irregularities in walking. Sometimes, the person may have trouble keeping their balance or coordinating movements. You might notice a change in stride length or speed. Some people lean forward or sideways; such irregular gait may cause falls. Others take shorter strides and smaller steps. Still, others have a wide stance.

Causes of Abnormal Gait

Abnormal Gait results from a number of underlying causes that relate to abnormalities in medical conditions. In some cases, the result might come from neurological disorders like a stroke or Parkinson's disease, while others could be associated with musculoskeletal factors such as arthritis or injuries. Sometimes, it could be medication side effects or old age, or it is linked with foot problems. In many cases, uneven surfaces and wrong footwear contribute to it.

Neurological Causes

Many neurological causes of abnormal gaits can be traced back to conditions of the brain or nervous system. Stroke may weaken one side of the body and contribute to a limping pattern. 

Parkinson's disease causes stiffness, a shuffling pattern, and a loss of coordination from multiple sclerosis, leaves a patient walking in an unsteady manner. Still, other conditions, including traumatic brain injury and peripheral neuropathy, affect and disrupt normal gait.

Musculoskeletal Causes

The most common musculoskeletal causes of abnormal gait relate to the causes resulting from the pathologies of bones, muscles, or joints. Arthritis may lead to pain and stiffness, so one limps while walking. 

Fractures or sprains increase the pain while moving, as do tendinitis or bursitis conditions. Foot conditions such as flat feet or bunions can alter walking patterns. These pathologies can lead to a variety of compensatory movements that are associated with abnormal gait.

Other Contributing Factors

Other factors that contribute to abnormal gait include medication side effects and environmental conditions. Some medications cause dizziness, weakness, or drowsiness, which can influence gait. 

Ageing and its associated loss of strength or flexibility contribute to gait problems. Poor footwear, uneven surfaces, or lack of an appropriate assistive device may make walking more difficult.

Diagnosis of Abnormal Gait

Diagnosis of abnormal gait typically begins with a physical examination and medical history. In evaluating the walking pattern, the health professional will attempt to determine if there are other, similar symptoms. This can also include diagnostic studies on balance, strength, and coordination. 

Fundamental imaging studies like X-rays or MRIs may also expose hidden problems, such as fractures or other disorders involving structure. Sometimes, the procedure requires one to consult specialists such as neurologists or even an orthopaedic surgeon for proper assessment. The appropriate treatment can be chosen only after proper diagnosis.

Treatment Options for Abnormal Gait

The best treatment depends on the cause of the gait disorder and may include a number of different approaches. Physiotherapy is usually at the heart of things, and several exercises used are designed to strengthen and improve muscle strength and flexibility as well as balance. 

Gait training techniques are also applied and utilised by therapists in support of retraining the walking patterns. Sometimes additional support is given through the form of assistive devices like canes or walkers. Each approach helps restore optimal gait function.

Medications

Medications are among the most vital agents in managing abnormal gait when the underlying aetiology involves neurological or musculoskeletal conditions. For example, if symptoms resulting from Parkinson's disease cause problems related to walking, then it is part of the cure through medication.

There are times when anti-inflammatory medications could be helping a patient move better because their pain from the arthritic condition was limiting activity. Muscle relaxants often are beneficial in reducing stiffness associated with limited mobility. Medicines have to be taken under observation, and a patient has to report all their side effects to their doctors.

Physiotherapy and Exercises

Physiotherapy and exercise programs are created to improve strength, balance, and coordination. Session activities include specific exercises that would help rectify gait disturbances, besides activities and exercises aimed at general functions. 

Gait training reinforces normal walking patterns while stretching increases flexibility and decreases spasticity. Confidence could be gained through participation in various functional activities mimicking activities of daily living.

Surgical Interventions

Surgery may be necessary for certain conditions leading to abnormal gait. The various procedures involved include corrective surgery of deformities at the joints, tendon lengthening, and relieving nerve entrapment among others. 

Sometimes, surgeons will also perform surgery to replace the hip or knee to ensure relief in pain and increase flexibility. In some cases, surgery on the spine is necessary due to conditions with nerve compression. Surgical intervention is deemed necessary based on the severity of the condition and to when non-surgical measures cannot be effective in improving the gait.

Assistive Devices

Assistive devices support individuals with abnormal gait. For example, canes and walkers increase stability and thus reduce the propensity of falling. Orthotic aids are other assisting devices that help in aligning feet; for instance, the use of foot orthosis presents feet in a specific state hence changing the mechanics associated with walking. Custom-fit devices are recommended because of the comfort and support they promote.

Balance and Gait Training

Physiotherapists design exercises that consist of stability and coordination practice with gait-based exercises. The training exercises would include balance-based exercises, strength training, and specific gait drills. Training on different surfaces or with the assistance of balance boards can also be part of the training.

Risk Factors for Gait Abnormalities

Age is yet another factor because an elderly person tends to have less strength and balance. Changes in the pattern of gait are also caused by some people due to past injuries or operations. 

Certain medical conditions, diseases classified as related to arthritis, neurological conditions, or diabetes, can also cause a change in gait. Most falls are precipitated by environmental factors, including uneven surfaces and inadequate lighting.

Preventing Gait Abnormalities

Routine exercise will help to maintain strength, flexibility, and balance. It is useful if some kind of exercise, such as those for core stability or lower-body strength, is performed. Maintaining good posture when walking will also help improve gait if the abnormality is noticed and corrected. 

Avoidance of environmental hazards such as litter, slippery floors, etc reduces falls. Routine health check-ups ensure that those conditions are detected in time so that appropriate therapy can be applied.

Lifestyle Modifications

Regular physical exercise builds up muscle strength and coordination. Exercise routine done in regular intervals would include walking, swimming or doing yoga develops physical fitness. Keeping your body at a good weight is helpful in reducing weight bearing on joints that help in better movement. 

Healthy food and drink help to nourish muscle and bones. Hydration helps general well-being. Subtle moves, like installing handrails or taking away anything that could cause one to trip, make walking safer.

Regular Health Check-ups

Routine assessment allows healthcare providers to assess mobility, strength, and balance. The early condition arises in the early detection of ailments such as arthritis, diabetes, or neurological diseases, which facilitates early treatment. 

Interventions that a healthcare provider should make can be identified based on the patient's need. Maintenance of routine assessments leads to identification of even mild health changes and involves appropriate steps in managing gait abnormalities.

Proper Footwear Selection

Proper shoes should provide support, cushioning, and grip. Misfitting and worn-out shoes may make you feel uncomfortable and vulnerable to falls. The choice of shoes depends on the activity. 

For instance, exercise requires athletic shoes, while everyday activities require supportive shoes. Specific foot conditions may need custom orthotics based on your foot shape and other requirements.

When to See a Healthcare Provider for Abnormal Gait

See a doctor if you feel there is an alteration of the normal gait pattern. Go to see a doctor immediately when one experiences pain upon walking, cannot balance properly, and falls a lot of times. 

When there is a sudden alteration of gait, such as after a head injury or a stroke, the need for urgent assessment arises. Early assessment will help in the determination of the cause that will lead to definite treatment so complications do not develop further.

Importance of Early Intervention

If abnormal gait has manifested in an individual, which will indicate the underlying cause through diagnosis by the healthcare providers, then appropriate treatments like physiotherapy, medication, or changed lifestyle can be prescribed, and thus early treatment opens avenues towards regaining normal mobility and preventing other issues. So, taking the step early will improve walking ability and quality of life. It helps prevent future complications and reduces healing time.

Preventing and Managing Abnormal Gait Effectively with Physiotattva

At Physiotattva, we offer a personalised approach to prevent and manage abnormal gait. Our team will analyse your needs and create a rehabilitation program in such a way that it will target your intrinsic gait issue. We will also consult on lifestyle modification and advise on check-ups to review progress. 

At Physiotattva physiotherapy clinics in Bangalore and Hyderabad, you receive personalised care tailored to your specific needs, ensuring effective results and comfort throughout your journey to recovery. 

Don’t wait to start your recovery! Get in touch with Physiotattva for more details! Contact us at +91 89510 47001.

FAQ

What are the common types of abnormal gait?

Common types of abnormal gait include antalgic, spastic, propulsive, scissors, steppage, waddling, and crouching gait. Each type has distinct patterns caused by various conditions, such as injuries, neurological disorders, or musculoskeletal issues that affect mobility.

How common are gait abnormalities?

Gait abnormalities are quite common, especially among older adults. Studies show that about one-third of seniors experience some form of gait issue. Gait abnormalities can also occur in younger populations due to injuries or medical conditions, affecting mobility.

What neurological conditions affect gait?

Neurological conditions that affect gait include Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke, cerebral palsy, and peripheral neuropathy. These conditions disrupt normal movement patterns, leading to issues such as shuffling, limping, or difficulty maintaining balance.

What treatment options are available for abnormal gait?

Treatment options for abnormal gait include physiotherapy, medications, assistive devices, and surgical interventions. Physiotherapy focuses on improving strength and balance, while medications manage underlying conditions. Assistive devices such as canes offer support, and surgery addresses structural issues.

Contact the Physiotattva team to take the first step toward enhanced mobility and walking function. Book your appointment now!