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DESCRIPTION:
Overview of gait abnormality: A gait abnormality is defined as unusual and uncontrollable problems with walking. While many different types of gait abnormalities are produced unconsciously, most, although not all, are due to some type of physical malfunction. Some gait abnormalities are so characteristic that they have descriptive names, such as propulsive gait, scissors gait, spastic gait, steppage gait and waddling gait.
How does gait abnormality develop? An abnormal gait is often due to disease or abnormality in one of many different areas of the body. These can include vestibular disorders involving the inner ear, which is responsible for maintaining balance, and damage of which can result in vertigo; central nervous system disorders such as multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy; spinal cord abnormalities; peripheral nerve diseases; degenerative muscle diseases such as muscular dystrophy, myotonic dystrophy and myositis; neurodegenerative illnesses such as Parkinson's disease; skeletal abnormalities and diseases; arthritis; foot conditions such as plantar warts, bunions, ingrown toenails and pressure ulcers; and toxic reactions involving alcohol, drugs and allergies. Other common causes, many of which may be temporary, include trauma, fractures, hemophilia, immunization, tight or uncomfortable shoes, shin splints, an infection, tendonitis or torsion of the testis. Leg length and orientation at the hip (turned in or out slightly) are another cause of gait abnormality. In fact, for most individuals, both legs are not the same, a condition that is especially pronounced if one of the legs was broken during childhood.
What are the symptoms of gait abnormality? Symptoms of gait abnormality are an abnormal walk such as a stooped, rigid posture, with the head and neck bent forward; legs flexed slightly at the hips and knees, giving the appearance of crouching; knees and thighs hitting or crossing in a scissors-like movement; a stiff, foot-dragging walk caused by one-sided, long-term, muscle contraction; or a distinctive duck-like walk.
Conventional medical treatments may help relieve the symptoms of some types of gait abnormality, but they do not address the root of the problem. By strengthening structural weaknesses in the body, as natural medicine treatments like Prolotherapy do, gait abnormality may be alleviated permanently.
Discover why we believe that natural medicine treatments are the best way to treat gait abnormality.
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