Gait Abnormalities

Ankle dorsiflexion weakness

"Foot slap" - not able to slow descent of the foot, flat foot landing compensation: internal rotation of foot, early heel lift, knee hyperextension , supination (increased hip flexion-steppage gait)

Crouch gait

A combination of hip flexion, knee flexion, and excessive ankle DF. Extreme arm swing and trunk rotation due to chronic flexion in hims and legs. Common in diplegic CP

Circumduction gait

A gait pattern characterized by a circular motion to advance the leg during swing phase; this may be used to compensate for insufficient hip or knee flexion or dorsiflexion. OA or pain

hemiplegic gait

A gait pattern in which patients abduct the paralyzed limb, swing it around, and bring it forward so the foot comes to the ground in front of them. Hip in adducted, internally rotated, and extended. Genu recurvatum at the knee. Stroke

Parkinsonian gait

A gait pattern marked by increased forward flexion of the trunk and knees; gait is shuffling with quick and small steps; festinating may occur. Can cause freezing of gait or to walk slower than normal.

Antalgic gait

A persons manner of walking that develops as a way to avoid pain while walking, "limping"

Ataxic gait

An unsteady, uncoordinated walk, employing a wide base and the feet thrown out. Commonly seen in cerebellar disease. Resembles intoxicated walking.

Quadriceps weakness

COG shifted forward (anterior to knee at heel strike) compensation: reduced knee flexion & decreased knee extension during early stance phase (limb stiffening)

Hamstring weakness

During stance phase, the knee will go into excessive hyperextension. -During the deceleration part of swing phase, without the hamstrings to slow down the forward swing of the lower leg, the knee will snap into extension.

Vaulting gait

inability to flex hip or knee (hip hike)

Gluteus medius weakness

myopathic gait: pelvic drops to contralateral side (Trendelenburg sign)

Limited hip extension

small steps, slow gait can lead to increased anterior pelvic tilt and increased lumbar lordosis can be a marker for hip OA

Hip flexion contracture

trunk flexed forward (crouched gait) flexed hum and knee during stance phase

Gluteus maximus weakness

trunk lurches posteriorly (lean towards weakness)