Gait abnormalities and Disorder Symptoms

walking and gait assessment

What exactly are gait disorders, and what are the signs to look for?

Have you noticed your walking patterns have changed but aren’t sure why? If so, you could be experiencing gait disorder symptoms. People with gait disorders may display signs and symptoms like limping or favoring one side, dragging a foot or their feet when walking, or feeling unsteady. Several factors related to neurological or orthopedic conditions often cause these problems to occur.

If it’s become difficult for you to walk like you used to, it’s important to seek help sooner than later. Most gait-related disorders can be managed with proper guidance; some are completely resolved with physiotherapy. Our treatment plans at Dynamic Balance Physiotherapy and Vestibular rehab clinic in surrey near langley are highly skilled at assessing your gait limitations. We will help you move better and provide the tools to ensure your safety and mobility!

Call our practitioners today to learn more about our treatments, or schedule an appointment to get started!

What Does Gait Mean?

Gait is a person’s manner or pattern of walking. Gait depends on the major parts of your nervous system (i.e., brain and spinal cord), musculoskeletal (i.e., muscles, joints, and nerves), and cardiorespiratory (i.e., heart and lungs) systems functioning in a coordinated way with one another. An injury or underlying condition can impair one or more of these systems and lead to changes in your ability to walk normally.

Your physiotherapist at Dynamic Balance Physiotherapy and Vestibular physio in surrey is up to date on the most advanced and effective solutions for all types of gait disorder symptoms. We’ll assess your gait, balance, and coordination, as well as your joint and muscle function, and address any limitations or restrictions affecting your walking patterns with gait training and other techniques.

Types of Gait Abnormalities

gait scan

There are several different types of gait abnormalities. Since each type of gait disorder symptom helps to distinguish one condition from another, it is important to understand their similarities and differences.

The most common gait disorders include:

Antalgic gait: Antalgic gait is the most common type of abnormal gait. Signs include limping to avoid putting pressure on your affected leg or foot due to an injury or painful condition like an injury, recent surgery or arthritis in one or more lower extremity joints.
Propulsive gait (Parkinsonian gait): Propulsive gait affects people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. A propulsive gait typically causes a stooping, stiff posture with your head and neck tilting forward. Your steps may appear short and fast to maintain your center of gravity.
Spastic gait (hemiplegic gait): Hemiplegia is a condition where paralysis or severe weakness occurs on one side (half) of the body. Some people develop a spastic gait where they walk with one stiff leg that drags or moves in a semicircular motion (circumduction). This form most commonly affects those with a stroke, traumatic brain injury, or a tumor.
Ataxic gait: Ataxic gait is an abnormal or uncoordinated walking pattern that is often characterized by a wide base of support, uneven step length or timing, difficulty with direction changes, and a general lack of coordination. The term “ataxia” itself refers to a lack of muscle control or coordination of voluntary movements, such as walking or picking up objects, and is commonly seen in conditions that affect the cerebellum (i.e., brain stem).

How Can Gait Disorder Symptoms Be Treated?

Our physiotherapists at Dynamic Balance physio in surrey treat gait disorders symptoms by starting with a comprehensive assessment of your walking patterns, medical history, and any underlying conditions that may be causing or contributing to your gait.

During the evaluation, we will ask you questions about when your walking patterns first changed, your pain levels, and how your condition affects your daily life. We will also conduct certain tests to determine which gait disorder you have.

Next, we will create a treatment plan with specific exercises and techniques that will work best for you and can improve your gait. Some of the techniques that we might use in therapy include:

Gait retraining: Gait training is a set of practices implemented into your treatment plan to help you walk better. This may include changes to stride, step length, or the use of an assistive device (i.e., walker, cane, or hiking stick)
Strengthening: Our physiotherapists will teach you exercises to build muscle strength and endurance, which makes it easier for you to move around and reduces your risk of injury.
Balance and coordination: People with gait disorders often struggle with balance issues. We’ll provide specific exercises to improve your coordination to help you walk better and help prevent the chance of injuries.
Education: Since gait disorders can put you at risk of falls, fractures, and other hazards, we will guide you on managing your symptoms at home, work, or other settings.

Regardless of the type of gait disorder you are dealing with, our team strives to enhance your quality of life by helping you regain your ability or manage your condition to maximize your function!

Learn to Manage Your Gait Disorder Symptoms

If you’ve been experiencing gait disorder symptoms, seeking treatment from our physiotherapists is essential. We can help you regain your normal walking functions and minimize your risk of injury.

Call us at Dynamic Balance Physio in clayton heights today to make an appointment!