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Gait (Walking) Problems

Gait problems are problems with a person’s walking. A person’s gait is unique to the individual. Problems can occur with gait for many reasons, some of which can be helped with the treatment of a Physiotherapist. Problems with a person’s gait can cause:

• Increased risk of falls
• Immobility
• Decreased confidence
• Reduced exercise tolerance
• Biomechanical abnormalities causing stress to other structures

Different Types of abnormal Gait

There are many types of gait problems. Some of them are more common than others, some of the common types of gait problems are:

• Trendelenburg gait
• Foot drop
• Ataxia
• Scissor gait
• Antalgic gait
• Festinating gait
• Steppage gait
• Freezing gait
• Stomping gait

Causes of gait problems

There are many reasons why a person may have a problem with their gait. Some of the reasons that can lead to an abnormal gait are:

• Fractures (recent and old)
• Soft tissue injuries
• Arthritis
• Balance problems
• Neurological conditions / impairments
• Reduced mobility
• Shortness of breath
• Respiratory conditions
• Cardiac conditions
• Biomechanical abnormalities
• Limb length discrepancy

How can Physiotherapy Help?

Physiotherapy can offer treatments and advice on how to improve gait. This can be done through:

• Balance rehabilitation
• Walking aid provision
• Encouragement and self-confidence building
• Mobility rehabilitation
• Muscle strengthening and control
• Cuing devices

Physiotherapists are specialised in gait analysis and can provide a thorough assessment. This will involve a biomechanical analysis of each area of the body which is connected with how you walk.

During the gait analysis, our senior physiotherapist will highlight what improvements could be made and work with you to establish an efficient gait.

What Physiotherapy treatments can be expected for gait problems?

Our senior physiotherapists can offer a variety of treatments which could focus on improving a person’s gait.

Some of the treatments are:

• Gait re-education
• Walking aid provision
• Stair education
• Strengthening exercises
• Balance exercises
• Proprioceptive exercises
• Range of movement exercises
• Pain Management
• Orthotic referral

These treatments are dependent upon the outcome of the assessment and the physiotherapist’s judgement.

Summary

Problems with walking can debilitate an individual massively, decreasing their self-confidence and increasing their dependence upon other people.

Our senior physiotherapists will work with the client to achieve maximal independence, improving quality of life and self-esteem.

Please contact us to arrange an appointment.