Gait Disorders

Understanding Gait Disorders: Exploring the Different Types of Walking Impairments

Gait disorders are more common than you might think, impacting individuals of all ages and backgrounds. While anyone can experience difficulties with walking, these issues are especially prevalent among older adults, those with neurological conditions, and people recovering from injuries or surgery.

At No Limit Physical Therapy, our skilled team regularly works with a wide range of gait abnormalities—including changes in walking patterns, instability, and challenges with movement coordination. Serving Bay Ho, San Diego, Alpine, CA, and surrounding areas, we’re experienced in evaluating and treating the following types of gait disorders:

Antalgic gait:
A limping pattern caused by pain or discomfort during weight-bearing on the affected limb.

Parkinsonian gait:
A shuffling gait with small steps, stooped posture, and reduced arm swing, often associated with Parkinson’s disease.

Trendelenburg gait:
This pattern, known as “hip dropping,” results from weakness or dysfunction in the hip abductor muscles.

Hemiplegic gait:
An irregular gait characterized by the affected leg swinging out and around, commonly seen in individuals who have experienced a stroke.

Ataxic gait:
An unsteady, wide-based gait marked by poor coordination and balance, typically linked to cerebellar dysfunction.

What Causes Gait Disorders? Understanding the Most Common Conditions That Affect How You Walk

Gait disorders become increasingly common with age, affecting approximately 24% of adults over 60, nearly 35% of those over 70, and more than 60% of individuals over 80. These walking difficulties often lead to decreased mobility, increased fall risk, and reduced independence.

People with chronic conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, stroke, or arthritis are especially prone to developing abnormal gait patterns. At No Limit Physical Therapy, we treat a wide range of underlying issues that impact the way you move, including:

• Musculoskeletal Conditions: Arthritis, joint stiffness, muscle weakness, or recent surgeries (especially to the hips, knees, or ankles) can change your walking mechanics and lead to imbalance.
• Neurological Disorders: Diseases like Parkinson’s, stroke, and multiple sclerosis can impair coordination, cause spasticity, or reduce motor control—directly affecting gait.
• Vestibular (Inner Ear) Issues: Disorders like labyrinthitis or Meniere’s disease disrupt balance, leading to an unsteady or staggering gait.
• Sensory Deficits: Conditions such as peripheral neuropathy (often due to diabetes or cardiovascular disease) can reduce sensation in the feet, impairing your ability to sense ground contact and affecting balance.
• Age-Related Changes: Natural aging can lead to reduced muscle strength, joint flexibility, vision, and balance—making walking more difficult and less stable.

If you’re experiencing changes in the way you walk or struggle with balance, don’t wait to seek help.
Call (858) 769-6069 today to schedule an appointment with a skilled physical therapist in Bay Ho, San Diego, or Alpine, CA. Let us help you move with confidence again.

What to Expect from Your Physical Therapy Sessions in Bay Ho, San Diego, and Alpine, CA

At our clinics in Bay Ho, San Diego, and Alpine, CA, our skilled physical therapists are committed to providing personalized, holistic care that addresses the root causes of your gait issues. Our goal is to help you move with greater ease, stability, and confidence through proven, effective treatment strategies.

Your First Visit: What Happens

During your initial session, your physical therapist will perform a detailed evaluation to understand your specific gait disorder. This comprehensive assessment typically includes:

• An in-depth review of your medical history and symptoms
• Observation and analysis of your walking pattern
• Tests for balance, strength, and range of motion
• Functional movement screenings
• Identification of muscular or neurological imbalances

This thorough evaluation forms the foundation of a customized treatment plan designed to restore your mobility and improve your quality of life.

Medical history:
A thorough review of your medical history to better understand any underlying health conditions, previous injuries, or surgeries that may impact your gait.

Strength tests:
These assessments help determine your muscle strength and identify any weaknesses contributing to your gait disorder.

Use of assistive devices:
Furthermore, our physical therapists may recommend and train you to properly use assistive devices, such as canes or walkers, to support your recovery journey.

Gait analysis:
By observing and assessing your walking patterns, our skilled therapists can identify gait abnormalities and tailor a personalized treatment plan to address your specific needs.

Joint range of motion:
A thorough examination of your joint flexibility and mobility lets our physical therapists pinpoint any restrictions impacting your gait.

No Limit Physical Therapy: A Holistic Approach to Gait Disorder Treatment

At No Limit Physical Therapy, we take a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to treating gait disorders. Our methods are grounded in the latest research and proven to be highly effective in improving mobility and overall function.

Our experienced physical therapists use a range of specialized treatment techniques, including:

• Manual therapy to enhance joint mobility and alleviate muscle tension
• Therapeutic exercises to build strength, flexibility, and balance
• Gait retraining to correct abnormal movement patterns and improve walking mechanics
• Balance and proprioceptive training to increase stability and body awareness
• Functional training to support daily activities and enhance your quality of life

We are dedicated to guiding you toward better movement, greater independence, and lasting well-being through compassionate, personalized care.