We often take walking for granted, but this everyday activity is a complex interplay of muscles, bones, and nerves. The way you walk – your gait – can reveal a surprising amount about your foot, ankle, and overall health.

Subtle deviations from a normal gait can be early indicators of underlying issues, ranging from minor foot problems to more serious medical conditions. We at Your Next Step are here to shuffle through it all with you, from causes to treatments.

Causes of Gait Abnormalities

Disruptions to equal weight distribution and natural arm swing stem from a variety of sources. Foot conditions like flat feet, high arches, or bunions can alter foot mechanics, whereas muscle weakness or imbalance in the calves, hips, or legs can affect stability and stride. Imbalances in hip or leg muscles can also affect pelvic stability and lead to an awkward gait.

Neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis can impair nerve signals and coordination. Similarly, injuries like ankle sprains or fractures can cause pain and limit movement. Even a leg length discrepancy can create an uneven gait.

Common Types of Gait Abnormalities

• Antalgic gait: This involves limping or shortening the stance phase on one leg to avoid pain. It’s often caused by injuries or conditions like arthritis.
• Ataxic gait: Characterized by an unsteady, uncoordinated walk with a wide base of support, Ataxic is seen in people with neurological conditions.
• Steppage gait: This involves lifting the leg high to avoid dragging the foot, commonly caused by nerve damage affecting the foot and ankle muscles.
• Trendelenburg gait: This is a dropping of the hip on the side opposite the weak or injured leg, which is often observed in people with hip muscle weakness.

Treatment and Management

Addressing gait abnormalities typically involves identifying and treating the underlying cause.

This might include orthotics or supportive footwear to correct foot mechanics, physical therapy to strengthen muscles and improve balance, medications to manage pain or underlying conditions, and, in some cases, surgery to correct structural abnormalities or repair damaged tissues.

Dr. Eric Ricefield, Dr. Mark Yagodich, Dr. Aliza V. Eisen, and Dr. Cassandra Stache are ready to help with all your foot and ankle needs. Schedule your appointment and contact us today!