Waiting disorder is when this action is performed abnormally or out of control. This problem may occur due to genetic reasons or may occur as a result of various diseases and injuries. Disturbances in gait pattern may follow a temporary or long-term course. Severe gait abnormalities require regular physical therapy and medical follow-up. As gait disorders can cause various problems in the muscle, bone and nerve structures of the legs over time, care should be taken.
What is gait disorder?
Walking is an action that requires both balance and muscle coordination. . With the combination of these factors, the body can move forward by stepping forward. Problems in any or more of the components that make up the normal gait pattern change this pattern and cause gait disturbance. Since these problems contain different components and require a multi-faceted approach, extra attention should be paid to the clinical symptoms and complaints of the patient.
What Causes Gait Disorder?
The causes of gait disturbance can be roughly divided into musculoskeletal causes, neurological system causes, and circulatory system causes. For these reasons, patients may present with different walking patterns. Gait disorders can manifest themselves as attacks (episodic) or continuous (chronic-long term).
Chronic gait disturbances that tend to persist are usually caused by chronic neurological problems present in the person. Episodic gait disorder, on the other hand, occurs suddenly and can cause involuntary falls due to the inability of people to adapt to this situation. Neurological causes are among the most common causes of gait disturbance. During the course of these disorders, gait disturbances occur as a result of the central and peripheral nervous system being affected. Severe neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease, where the communication between these two nervous systems is impaired, can affect cognitive functions and make it difficult for individuals to perform walking.
In addition to these neurological disorders, it causes weakness in the hip and lower extremity muscles. Disorders such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, ataxia telangiectasia and spinal muscular atrophy (sma) are also among the causes of gait disturbance.
The electrolyte balance of the body is very important for the protection of musculoskeletal system functions. Decreased levels of minerals such as sodium, potassium and magnesium in the blood may be the underlying cause of gait disturbance. Decreased sodium level in the blood, expressed as hyponatremia, is a condition that causes severe neurological symptoms and can cause gait disturbance. In addition to changes in mineral levels, gait disturbance may occur in some people in the deficiency of micronutrients such as folate, vitamin B12 and vitamin E.
The most common causes of gait disturbance can be summarized as follows:
- Traumatic injuries related to musculoskeletal and joints (Fractures, cracks, sprains, muscle and ligament injuries)
- Musculoskeletal and joint infections or inflammatory processes
- Structural abnormalities related to musculoskeletal and joints (Pes equinovarus -congenital problems such as Pes Planus-flat feet
- Spine curvatures and diseases (Scoliosis, Kyphosis, etc.)
- Tendon inflammations
- Neurological diseases (Nervous system diseases such as cerebral palsy or stroke)
- Ear tract infections – Inner ear Problems concerning
- Psychological gait disturbances such as conversion, malingering, anxiety or depression
What are the Types of Walking Disorders?
In gait disorders The gait patterns seen are divided into 5 basic groups:
Spastic Gait Disorder
Spastic gait disorder is characterized by people dragging their feet while walking. In this type of gait disorder, which can occur in patients with cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis, one leg has a very rigid appearance and the other leg is moved by drawing a semicircle with the movement.
Scissoring Gait Disorder
In this type of gait disorder, people's legs are bent slightly inward while walking. During walking, the knees and thighs cross and may bump into each other. Because the resulting image resembles scissors, this type of gait disorder is caused by shearing. gait disorder. The steps are slow and small. This type of gait disorder is usually encountered in individuals with spastic cerebral palsy. Peroneal muscle atrophy or peroneal nerve damage and spinal cord problems such as hernia or stenosis are among the causes of this type of gait disturbance.
Propulsive Gait Disorder
Head and neck in a gait disorder characterized by a hunched and stiff posture (body posture). walking is performed in the forward direction. This gait disturbance pattern occurs especially in people with signs of parkinsonism. The steps are usually taken quickly and briefly.
Flicky Gait Disorder
In this wobbly gait problem, also known as wavy walking, individuals move to the right and left while walking. The basis of the movement made to the sides is the movement of the trunk during walking. Congenital problems such as progressive muscular dystrophies or hip dislocations are among the causes of wobbly gait disorder.
How to Diagnose Gait Disorder in Babies?
Gait abnormalities that occur in children in the first years of life are common and usually self-limiting problems. In pathological conditions, gait disturbance in children does not regress spontaneously and medical intervention may be required. Some of the symptoms that may indicate gait disturbance in infants can be summarized as follows:
- Using one side of the body less during walking or putting less weight on that side
- When the leg is thrown forward, the hip is moving towards the outer sides than normal. more movement
- Continuation of toe walking habit after age 3
What is the Treatment for Gait Disorder?
Treatment for gait disorders The basis of the approach is to identify and eliminate the underlying condition. Gait can return to normal with the healing of the damage caused by gait disorders caused by trauma. In fractures, the bone is placed on the anatomical line again. It may require plaster applications or, in severe cases, surgical intervention.
In case the underlying cause of gait disturbance is infection, physicians can prescribe antibiotics or antiviral drugs according to the cause of the disease. In individuals with permanent gait disorder, walking aids such as crutches, orthopedic leg braces, walkers or canes can be used. During these therapy applications, it is aimed to strengthen the muscles in the area that causes gait disturbance and to correct gait.
What are Gait Disorder Exercises?
One of the answers to the question of how to correct gait disturbance is exercises for gait disturbance. Gait corrective exercises, which are a kind of physical therapy application, can help people to maintain their balance while standing and to walk independently, even with the help of devices.
The goals to be achieved with gait disturbance exercises can be summarized as follows:
- Strengthening muscles and joints
- Improving posture and balance
- Increasing endurance
- Development of muscle memory
- Getting used to repetitive movements of the legs
- Reducing the risk of falling by increasing mobility
Waiting disorder exercises include walking on treadmills and muscle strengthening training. The exercise program, which includes movements such as climbing and descending on objects, raising legs, squatting, sitting or standing up, can be performed more intensely or for a longer period of time, depending on the condition of the patients. are the problems reflected in the clay. Although some gait disorders may occur for temporary reasons, it is recommended to seek support from specialist physicians by applying to health institutions in order to avoid more serious problems in the long term.
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