5 Effective Solutions for Gait Abnormalities
We take walking for granted, but our gait is a delicate movement that even subtle shifts in our feet can throw off. At New Jersey Podiatric Physicians & Surgeons Group, we have seen these abnormalities cause immense pain and misalignment in our patients’ feet, ankles, knees, hips, and back. That’s why we’d like to share with you five tried and true treatments for those suffering from abnormal walking patterns. Let’s dive in.
Custom Orthotics
One of the most powerful tools in a podiatrist’s arsenal for addressing gait abnormalities is custom orthotics. These personalized shoe inserts are designed to correct imbalances at the foot’s foundation.
For instance, in cases of overpronation we often see with flat feet, orthotics provide targeted arch support to control the excessive inward rolling. This stabilizes the foot and prevents further collapse of the arch.
Bracing and Taping
For gait abnormalities stemming from instability, bracing and taping offer external support. For someone with chronic ankle instability (often a result of repeated sprains), a specialized ankle brace can prevent the ankle from giving way while walking.
Similarly, therapeutic taping techniques can support injured tendons or ligaments, which allows for a more confident and normalized walking pattern.
Physical Therapy and Exercises
It’s true that many gait abnormalities are linked to muscle imbalances or inflexibility in the foot and lower leg. Some are genetic, but a lot are acquired over time through sports or previous injuries.
To combat this, podiatrists prescribe specific physical therapy exercises to address these issues. For example, tight calf muscles can cause foot shuffling, but stretching can improve your foot’s lift.
The Right Footwear
If nothing else, the right sneakers are cornerstones of gait correction. We will carefully assess a patient’s current shoes and recommend footwear that accommodates existing foot deformities (like bunions or hammertoes) without causing pain.
Almost by themselves, great shoes with appropriate cushioning, stability, and ample toe room eliminate the need to limp or alter gait to avoid painful pressure points.
Surgical Intervention
If all else fails, structural foot problems that cause gait abnormalities often require surgery. Operations to correct severe flatfoot deformities, realign bunions, or stabilize arthritic joints are designed to physically restore a more functional foot structure.
By correcting the underlying anatomical issue, surgery enables the foot to bear weight and move more normally, ultimately allowing for a healthier and more comfortable gait.
For instance, a bunionectomy can correct a severely deviated big toe joint, which often impacts the push-off phase of walking.
Whereas an Achilles tendon lengthening procedure can be performed to release the tightness and allow the heel to properly contact the ground.
However, recovery from these surgeries often involves a period of immobilization and dedicated physical therapy to maximize your outcome.
If you’re worried about your foot pain, come see the expert team at New Jersey Podiatric Physicians & Surgeons Group. With more than 30 locations, from Newark, NJ, to Cape May, NJ, we value convenience and excellent service for our patients. To schedule an appointment, first find a podiatrist in your area.
