What Might Cause Me to Shuffle My Feet When Walking, and How Can It Be Corrected?

There are several reasons why people shuffle their feet when walking. Your footwear and walking surface play a role—for example, wearing loose slippers or walking on very smooth floors can increase shuffling. Medical conditions can affect your walking pattern. Age-related changes in balance and strength, as well as conditions like arthritis in your feet and ankles, may lead to shuffling. Some people shuffle as a protective mechanism when they feel unsteady, helping them feel more secure and reduce fall risk. This is particularly common in older adults with decreased muscle strength or balance problems. Inner ear disorders or other conditions that affect balance can lead to poor gait. Your body may unconsciously adopt a shuffling pattern to maintain stability. Additionally, certain medications that affect coordination or cause dizziness can contribute to shuffling. A shuffling gait can also be a sign of neurological conditions like Parkinson's disease. In Parkinson's disease, changes in brain chemistry affect movement control, leading to symptoms like shuffling, reduced arm swing while walking, and difficulty initiating movement. To improve shuffling, doctors and therapists can prescribe specific exercises and physical therapy to build leg strength and enhance balance. Working with a healthcare provider will help determine the most effective treatment or exercise plan for your specific situation.