Gait is the pattern of movement that a person uses while walking. It is how we move our legs and feet while walking, which can also say a lot about a person’s health. The gait is determined by the structure and function of the bones, muscles, and joints of the legs and feet. Abnormalities in gait can occur as a result of disease, injury, or spinal cord disorders. This article discusses the importance of having a healthy gait and the possible conditions that can affect it.

The human gait is a critical aspect of our overall mobility. It includes various muscle functions and components that work together, which makes the activity of walking possible. The gait ensures the body’s stability while walking, by directing blood to the muscles and ligaments in motion. Without proper gait, we might fall over or even have difficulty with simple day-to-day activities.

Conditions such as arthritis, spinal cord disorder, and muscle disorders could affect a person’s gait. As we age, we are more susceptible to gait abnormalities. Age-related gait changes typically slow down the gait, reduce leg strength and stride length, and increase the risk of falls. Other factors like obesity, injury, and foot or leg deformities, can also affect your gait.

Some people also exhibit abnormal gait patterns due to neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or a stroke. These individuals may exhibit shuffling, stiff limbs, and have difficulty with balance or coordination. Such gait abnormalities can lead to a decrease in a person’s independence, adversely affect daily activities and may even result in injury.

Physical therapists are trained to assess patients’ gait and determine the cause of abnormalities. They also create customized treatment plans to help improve one’s gait. Often, changes in footwear, adjustments in walking aids, and strengthening exercises help improve gait abnormalities. Physical therapists can also develop a range of motion and balance activities to counter the gait abnormalities.

The first step in ensuring a healthy gait is addressing any underlying condition that may affect it. Maintaining a healthy weight, practicing healthy lifestyle habits like exercise and nutrition, and regular visits with your healthcare provider can help prevent many gait-related conditions. For example, a healthy weight reduces pressure on the lower extremities and helps prevent conditions like arthritis or diabetes that could adversely affect gait.

Apart from maintaining a healthy weight, healthy shoes are also essential to have a good gait. Shoes that support the foot and provide cushioning help reduce pain and stiffness that might adversely affect one’s gait. Shoes with anti-slip soles also prevent slips and falls, a primary contributor to gait abnormalities.

In conclusion, gait abnormalities can be caused by several factors, making it necessary to maintain overall health and seek advice from a healthcare professional. It is essential to assess your gait and seek treatment for any abnormalities, as it could lead to injury, reduced independence, and an overall reduction in quality of life. Regular exercise, visits to the healthcare professional, and proper footwear are some of the ways to ensure a healthy gait. Physical therapy has been seen to be effective at identifying and developing treatment plans to combat gait abnormalities. By finding the cause of gait abnormalities and treating them, people can walk with reduced stress and discomfort, improving their overall health and quality of life.

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