Types and differences of gait disturbances
There are a great number of different gait disturbances. Some
are specifically characteristic of particular conditions, and some may be seen
with many problems. Gait disturbances are generally either structural or
neurological. However, there may be significant overlap. Types of gait
disturbances that may frequently result from either structural or neurological
causes include:
Ataxic gait. A staggering, unsteady and uncoordinated gait typically caused by abnormalities of the nervous system. A variation of this is the tabetic gait, a high-stepping ataxic gait where the feet slap the ground.
Toe-walking gait. This is a common gait disturbance in which the patient walks on the toes. A variation on this is the equine gait, which is a high-stepping toe-walking gait.
Steppage gait. Commonly seen with foot drop, where the foot appears to hang limp at the ankle. The foot is lifted high so that the toes do not drag on the ground and the toes touch ground first. The hip and knee are typically bent more than normal in order to clear the toes from the ground.
Types of gait disturbances that are typically structural only include:
Limp. A jerky, uneven gait that may be caused by pain, weakness or deformity. Antalgic gait, a type of limp, is the most common gait disturbance. It is caused by pain and compensates for that pain by keeping weight off of a painful part as much as possible.
Spastic gait. A stiff gait where the toes catch and drag, the legs are
held together and the hips and knees are kept in a slightly bent position.
Hemiplegic gait. This gait is characteristic of paralysis or weakness in
one leg and is common after a stroke. The patient swings the paralyzed leg
around to bring the foot in front. This gait avoids placing weight on the
affected leg.
Senile gait. This gait is usually seen in the elderly. It is associated
with a stooped posture, with knees and hips bent. Arm swinging is lessened and
there is stiffness in turning. Steps are small and broad-based.
Waddling gait. The feet are held wide apart and the patient walks
somewhat like a duck. This is a common gait disturbance in late pregnancy
Types of gait disturbances that are typically neurological only include: Fascinating gait. In this gait disturbance, the patient walks on the
toes as if being pushed. Steps start slowly and increase in speed. Often, the
patient cannot stop until grasping or running into something.
Parkinson’s gait. This is a form of fascinating gait characteristic of
Parkinson’s disease. Steps are short and shuffling, with feet scrapping the
ground. They start slow and build up speed. The patient’s upper body is bent
forward, head down, and arms, elbows, hips and knees are bent.
Magnetic gait. Also called glue-footed gait. The patient seems to have
difficulty taking the first step, as though the feet had been glued to the
ground. Once the first step is made, subsequent steps are small and shuffling.
Double-step gait. In this gait disturbance, alternating steps are made
of different length or rate. The stride of one side does not match the other.
Helicopod gait. The patient swings one or both feet in a half circle
with each step.
Scissor gait. In this gait, the legs cross in walking. The left leg
moves too far to the right and the right leg moves too far to the left.
