Simply stated, the term “gait” refers to the way a person walks. While walking may seem to be an uncomplicated activity, injuries, underlying conditions, or problems with the legs and feet can lead to an abnormal gait that can compromise a person’s mobility and health.
For this reason, chiropractors devote a good deal of their attention to evaluating the gait of their patients for signs of abnormal gaits such as “spastic gait” (dragging the feet), “scissor’s gait” (crossed legs that hit while walking), “steppage gait” (pointing the toes inward and scraping them on the ground), “waddling gait,” “propulsive gait” (head and neck pushed forward), and “limp.” Once diagnosed, chiropractors treat abnormal gait by determining and correcting the underlying cause.
A person’s gait can reveal problems in the feet, ankles, knees, and hips – even in spinal alignment. A problem with gait can indicate pain in a patient as well as serious conditions like diabetes and arthritis. To schedule an appointment, please call at 617-472-4220. We accept most major insurance plans which included but not limited to Blue Cross Blue Shield, Harvard Pilgrim, Tufts, Mass Health Standard, Neighborhood Health Plan, Medicare, Network Health. Our family-oriented practice is located at 112 McGrath Hwy., Quincy.
P.S. Because an individual with an abnormal gait may develop additional aches and pains associated with his or her walking pattern, it is important to address the problem.
For Your Health,
Dr. Gabrielle Freedman