Walking abnormalities are unusual and uncontrollable walk (or gait) patterns, commonly caused by disease or injury.

What causes a walking abnormality?

Walking abnormalities may be caused by disease of injury to the legs, feet, brain, spine, or inner ear. Common causes include, but are not limited to:

• Arthritis
• Foot problems, such as a callus, corn, ingrown toenail, hammer toe or bunion
• Fracture
• Injury
• Infection
• Tendonitis
• Shin splints
• Hemophilia
• Psychological disorder

What does it feel like?

Characteristics of walking abnormalities vary by specific condition. Common gait abnormalities include:

• Propulsive gait: Slouched, rigid posture, with the head and neck bent forward
• Scissors gait: Crouched posture, with legs flexed slightly at the hips and knees. Knees and thighs hitting or crossing in a scissors-like movement
• Spastic gait: A foot-dragging, stiff walk caused by one-sided, long-term, muscle contraction
• Steppage gait: The foot hangs with the toes pointing down as the foot drops in stride, causing the toes to scrape the ground while walking
• Waddling gait: A distinctive duck-like walk

How do I know if I have a walking abnormality?

If you have any symptoms of uncontrollable or unexplained walking abnormalities, call your doctor.

Your doctor will conduct a physical examination and review your personal and family medical history. Your doctor will focus on the quality and timing of your symptoms -- when they began and if they progressed.

The physical exam may also include a neurological examination. Diagnostic tests may also help diagnose the condition if diagnosis can not be formed by observation and medical history review alone.

How is a walking abnormality treated?

Treatment of the condition's cause may help improve the gait. If the condition is caused by injury or trauma, for example, gait will be improved when the injury heals.

For conditions caused by a psychological disorder, psychiatric counseling and positive support from friends and  family members is strongly recommended.

Depending on the condition and its cause, treatments may include one or a combination of the following:

• Allowing plenty of time for daily activities
• Physical therapy or exercise therapy
• Use of walking assistance devices, such as crutches, a cane, or walker
• Leg braces or shoe splints to maintain proper foot alignment
• Adequate rest to prevent fatigue
• Active and passive exercises
• Independent, self-reliant behavior

Learn about Duke treatments.