Antalgic gait

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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:

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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

See also[edit | edit source]


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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD