What Are the Common Causes of a Waddling Gait?

A waddling gait is most often caused by weakness in the muscles that help control movement in the hip area. This weakness leads to an exaggerated side-to-side movement when walking, creating the characteristic waddling pattern. During pregnancy, a waddling gait is normal as the body adapts to weight distribution changes. However, a waddling gait can also signal several medical conditions, including:

• Muscular dystrophy, which causes progressive muscle weakness and can make walking difficult
• Hip dysplasia, a condition where the hip joint doesn't form properly
• Spinal cord injuries or disorders that affect muscle control
• Osteomalacia, a condition where bones become soft and weak due to vitamin D deficiency
• Muscle weakness caused by certain autoimmune disorders that affect muscle function
• Weight gain which places extra weight and stress on the hip muscles

A waddling pattern often signals an underlying issue with the hip muscles. Anyone experiencing this type of gait should consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.