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Treatment of the cause often improves the gait. For example, gait abnormalities from trauma to part of the leg will improve as the leg heals.
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For an abnormal gait that occurs with conversion disorder, psychiatric counseling as well as comfort and love from family members is strongly recommended.
For a propulsive gait:
- Encourage the person to be as self-reliant and independent as possible.
- Allow plenty of time for daily activities, especially walking. People with this problem are susceptible to falls because of poor balance and an unconscious effort to always catch up.
- Provide walking assistance for safety reasons, especially on uneven ground.
- Consult a physical therapist about exercise therapy and walking retraining.
For a scissors gait:
- Loss of skin sensation is often associated with scissors gait, so skin care should be provided in order to avoid skin breakdown and ulcers.
- Leg braces and in-shoe splints can help maintain proper foot alignment for standing and walking. A physical therapist can supply these and provide exercise therapy, if appropriate.
For a spastic gait:
- Both active and passive exercises are encouraged.
- Leg braces and in-shoe splints can help maintain proper foot alignment for standing and walking. A physical therapist can supply these and provide exercise therapy, if appropriate.
- A cane or a walker is recommended for those with poor balance.
For a steppage gait:
- Adequate rest is encouraged. Fatigue can often cause an affected person to stub his toe and fall.
- Leg braces and in-shoe splints can help maintain proper foot alignment for standing and walking. A physical therapist can supply these and provide exercise therapy, if appropriate.
For a waddling gait, follow the prescribed therapy.
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