What are the different types of abnormal gait?

When a person walks abnormally, it can show us where there might be weakness, pain, or coordination problems. One type is Trendelenburg gait, which happens when the hip muscles are weak and the pelvis drops on the opposite side during walking. Hemiplegic gait is common in people who have had a stroke; one side of the body moves differently or less than the other. Parkinsonian gait is another type where steps become short and shuffling, making starting and stopping hard. Ataxic gait, seen in problems with the cerebellum, makes it difficult to control balance so walking is unsteady. Spastic gait occurs with increased muscle tone from conditions like multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injuries, leading to stiff and jerky movements. Other descriptions include antalgic gait, where pain causes someone to limp, or apraxic gait, where the brain struggles to plan and execute walking smoothly. If you're experiencing unusual walking patterns or related symptoms, you can check your symptoms with our free AI-powered tool to better understand what might be causing your concerns. Each pattern helps doctors understand where problems might lie and guides treatment or therapy.