Antalgic gait

Antalgic gait is a type of gait abnormality characterized by a limp that is adopted so as to avoid pain on weight-bearing structures. It is often caused by conditions such as osteoarthritis, fracture, or infection.

Definition

An antalgic gait is a protective gait where the stance phase of gait is abnormally shortened relative to the swing phase. The individual tries to spend as little time as possible on the affected leg to limit pain, often resulting in a limp.

Causes

The most common causes of an antalgic gait are pain or discomfort in the lower limb. This can be due to a variety of conditions, including:

• Osteoarthritis
• Fracture
• Infection
• Inflammation
• Neuropathy
• Tumor

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of an antalgic gait is typically made through a combination of patient history, physical examination, and if necessary, imaging studies such as X-ray or MRI. The specific cause of the gait abnormality can often be identified through these methods.

Treatment

Treatment of an antalgic gait focuses on addressing the underlying cause of the pain. This may involve:

• Physical therapy
• Pain management
• Surgery
• Orthotics

See also

• Gait abnormality
• Limp
• Pain management

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