Antalgic Gait: Causes, Characteristics and Clinical Features

Antalgic gait, definition, causes, characteristic walking pattern

Definition

Antalgic gait is an abnormal, self-protective gait pattern adopted to reduce pain during walking. It commonly occurs following injury or painful conditions affecting the pelvis, hip, knee, ankle, or foot.

Causes

• Injury or trauma to the lower limb.
• Osteoarthritis of the hip or knee.
• Fractures involving the lower limb or pelvis.
• Inflammatory joint conditions.
• Painful conditions affecting the ankle or foot.
• Postoperative pain following lower-limb surgery.
• Gait characteristics
• Shortened stance phase on the affected limb.
• Reduced weight bearing on the painful limb.
• Reduced step length of the unaffected limb.
• Decreased walking speed and cadence.
• Asymmetrical gait pattern.
• Reduced push-off from the affected limb when pain limits movement.
• The patient may support the painful region with one hand, if accessible.
• The opposite arm may be outstretched to maintain balance.

Functional problems

• Difficulty walking for prolonged periods.
• Reduced walking speed and endurance.
• Difficulty climbing stairs.
• Difficulty standing on the affected limb.
• Reduced participation in daily activities.
• Increased energy expenditure due to asymmetrical walking.

Reference:

1. O’Sullivan SB, Schmitz TJ, Fulk GD. Physical Rehabilitation. Elsevier.
2. Magee DJ. Orthopedic Physical Assessment. Elsevier.

Joint Movements During Gait: Sagittal, Frontal and Transverse Plane Motions

Gait Cycle Phases

Determinants of Gait

Gait Analysis: Definition, Spatial and Temporal Variables

Gait Cycle: Definition, Phases and Gait Analysis with Diagrams

Human Gait

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