Foot Conditions That Change How You Walk

Your gait is a coordinated dance between dozens of muscles, bones, and joints. But when a foot condition crops up, that smooth dance can quickly turn into a compensatory shuffle, a painful limp, or an awkward drag. We at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center know all about gait abnormalities and the different foot conditions that cause them, so let’s dive in.

Pain is the Ultimate Gait Changer

The most common reason for your gait changes is simple: pain. Your body is incredibly smart and will instinctively try to avoid discomfort. If you have a painful bunion on your big toe, you might find yourself rolling your foot outward to keep pressure off it. If plantar fasciitis is causing a sharp stabbing in your heel, you might shorten your stride or walk on the balls of your feet. This avoidance strategy is what throws your entire system out of whack.

Specific Conditions, Specific Gaits

But not all gait issues are created equal. Different foot conditions lead to distinct changes in your walking pattern:

• Plantar Fasciitis: Fascia inflammation often results in a heel-strike avoidance gait. You might land more on your midfoot or toes to prevent the painful jolt to your heel, or you might develop a noticeable limp (especially in the mornings).
• Bunions and Hammertoes: These deformities cause painful pressure points and stiffness in the toes. To compensate, you might roll your foot outward, shift weight to the outer edge, or shorten your stride to avoid toe bending. This can be seen as a rolling gait.
• Achilles Tendonitis: Pain and stiffness in the Achilles tendon can limit your ability to push off the ground and make your stride shorter and less powerful. You might notice you’re flat-footed longer during your step.
• Chronic Ankle Instability: After repeated ankle sprains, your ankle might feel wobbly. This leads to a cautious, shuffling gait where you might not lift your foot as high.
• Foot Drop: This is a more dramatic change where you have difficulty lifting the front part of your foot. To avoid dragging your toes, you’ll often adopt a steppage gait where you lift your knee unusually high with each step. This is typically due to nerve damage.
• Morton’s Neuroma: The burning pain in the ball of your foot often makes you want to shift weight away from the affected area. You might try to splay your toes or walk on the outer edge of your foot to alter the natural weight distribution.

The Domino Effect

These altered gaits are not just temporary fixes. Over time, they can lead to a whole host of secondary problems. The abnormal stress you put on your feet and ankles can cause new aches in your knees, hips, and lower back.

Plus, an unsteady gait directly increases your risk of falls, regardless of your age.

For more foot care facts and advice, consult Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center in Fairfax County, Virginia, about any podiatric concerns you’re facing. Set up an appointment today to find relief!