Problems with Walking

Feet | Orthopaedics | Problems with Walking (Symptom)


Description

The trouble walking patterns are associated with unusual and uncontrollable walk that is usually caused by diseases or injuries to the legs, feet, brain, spinal cord or inner ear. Many different types of walking abnormalities occur without the control of the person. Most but not all, are due to some physical condition.

Different types of walking abnormalities include: (i) a propulsive gait: a stooped, rigid posture with the head and neck bent forward, (ii) scissors gait: legs slightly bent at the hips and knees, and squat, knees and thighs hitting or crossing in a scissors-like movement, (iii) spastic gait: walking stiff, foot-dragging caused by prolonged muscle contraction on one side, (iv) up steppage: foot drop that hangs with the toes pointing down and causing them to scrape the ground while walking, which requires a person to lift the leg higher than normal walking, (v) waddling gait: walk like a duck that can occur in childhood or later in life.

Causes

A variety of problems can cause an abnormal gait and lead to trouble walking. These include injury, illness or abnormal development of the muscles or bones of the legs or feet, movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease, other diseases such as arthritis or multiple sclerosis, vision problems or balance.

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