How is a gait abnormality defined and diagnosed?

Gait abnormality is a term used when someone's walking pattern is different from normal. It can happen because of pain, muscle weakness, depression, or problems with the brain and nerves. For example, if a person has an antalgic gait, they might walk in a way that avoids pain, which is noticed when doctors observe the person walking.

The process begins when a doctor asks the patient about their history and any pain or other symptoms. If you're experiencing unusual walking patterns or related symptoms, you can use a free symptom checker to help identify potential causes before your appointment. Then, the doctor carefully watches the way the person walks during a physical exam and performs a physical exam. Sometimes, doctors see signs that the abnormal gait might be linked to mental health, like depression or stress, so they also ask about how the person is feeling.

If needed, additional tests or imaging studies might be done to look at the muscles, bones, or brain more closely. Overall, the diagnosis is based on a mix of talking with the patient, watching the pattern of their steps, and sometimes using extra tests to find out why the walking pattern is unusual.