What does a steppage gait suggest?
Steppage gait is the inability to lift the foot while walking due to the weakness of muscles that cause dorsiflexion of the ankle joint. Foot drop is not a commonly seen condition.
Can steppage gait be cured?
To help correct your gait, a physical therapist can prescribe exercises. This helps to strengthen the anterior tibialis muscle and improve balance. They may also recommend assistive devices or braces to help you walk safely.
What pathology is most likely to cause a high stepping steppage gait?
A “high stepping” type of gait in which the leg is lifted high, the foot drops (appearing floppy), and the toes points downward, scraping the ground, when walking. Peroneal muscle atrophy or peroneal nerve injury, as with a spinal problem (such as spinal stenosis or herniated disc), can cause this type of gait.
What does Ms foot drop feel like?
Your legs may tire quickly and you might feel wobbly. In time, this can lead to further problems such as pain in the hips or lower back, a tightening of muscles and poor balance.
How long does it take the peroneal nerve to heal?
The recovery time after a common peroneal nerve decompression at the knee is usually 3-4 months. For the first 6 weeks, we do not want to encourage the knee to form a lot of scar tissue around the area of the decompression, so we have patients on crutches.
Can gait be corrected?
If an underlying condition is the cause of an abnormal gait, a person’s walk should correct itself when the condition is treated. This is often true for broken bones, as they can be treated with a cast. Other injuries may require surgery or physical therapy to help return the gait to normal.
What is steppage gait and foot drop?
Steppage gait is the inability to lift the foot while walking due to the weakness of muscles that cause dorsiflexion of the ankle joint. Foot drop is not a commonly seen condition.
What causes steppage gait?
Steppage gait occurs due to total paralysis of the ankle and foot dorsiflexors (tibialis anterior muscle). Steppage gait (Figure 2) is sometimes called “foot drop gait” or “neuropathic gait”.
What is the difference between slap gait and steppage gait?
Slap gait occurs due to weakness of the foot and ankle dorsiflexors which causes the foot to slap down on the floor with each step. Steppage gait occurs due to total paralysis of the ankle and foot dorsiflexors (tibialis anterior muscle).
What is the difference between sensory ataxia and steppage gait?
A pronounced steppage gait due to foot drops is much more common than a steppage gait from sensory ataxia. In severe polyneuropathies, the steppage gait may have components of both sensory ataxia and foot drop.