Introduction
Walking patterns or gait can be different for everyone; however, the normal gait of a person should not make them uncomfortable while walking and should also not put unnecessary stress or force on the weight-bearing joints. The gait pattern or the behavior of different body parts while walking of many enthusiastic body-conscious people can be observed. In about 90 percent of these people, the commonest thing that can be observed is a typical slapping sound coming out of their shoes, which are of varying intensity. They also exhibit hyperextension (the knee joint bends in an incorrect manner, causing harm to the ligaments surrounding the knee) of the knee joint, of the striking leg. There are millions of people in the world, who are conscious about their health and go for regular fitness sessions.
While walking, a leg completes one full circle of striking the ground, leaving it, moving forward, and again striking it back. In the phase when the foot strikes the ground, it faces a very high degree of ground reaction force. It can be measured as approximately double the body weight of the individual. When this ground reaction force is unable to get absorbed by the body, it transforms into sound energy, as energy can only be transformed and not destroyed. This is the tapping noise that can be heard. Some part of this energy also gets converted into potential energy, which impacts the weight-bearing joints of the body like the foot, ankle, knee, and back, resulting in various ailments. It starts with their malfunctioning and then constant pain.
Nature has provided various solutions for all these problems, irrespective of the age in which a person is living. The human body can easily absorb these forces if they avoid a few commonly performed mistakes as follows:
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The most commonly performed mistake is, striking the leg with a slightly flexed (bend) knee. The knee cannot absorb any shock when it is stretched out completely.
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Swinging the arms by the side, like a person is imitating the leg movement. This will help in reducing the magnitude of the ground reaction force.
What Measures Can Be Taken to Reduce Force on Weight-Bearing Joints?
The following measures can be taken to reduce the force on joints. These include:
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A person should do a warmup or apply heat to their joints before going for a walk every day.
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They must choose a smooth walking surface to avoid pressure and stress on their knees.
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They should start walking at a slow to moderate pace to build up endurance for walking daily at least for 30 minutes.
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A person must invest in buying good shoes for a walk, which are flexible, flat, have a low heel, and are easily bendable in the forefoot area.
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A person can also use walking poles used for trekking which help provide additional support, and stability while walking. It also reduces the joint fatigue that a person experiences during a walk.
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Most importantly, a person having knee pain should manage their weight properly to avoid weight on the joints of the knees.
What Are the Different Types of Abnormal Gait Patterns and the Reason Behind Them?
Various abnormal walking patterns or gait are as follows:
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Hemiplegic or Spastic Gait - It causes a person to walk with a stiff leg (one). When a person tries to walk and lift that leg, they can either swing or drag it in a semicircular motion. This kind of walking pattern can be seen in people suffering from multiple sclerosis, hemiplegia, and cerebral palsy.
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Parkinsonian or Propulsive Gait - This walking pattern is found in people suffering from Parkinson's disease. Characteristics of this gait include rigid and stooping posture, with neck and head bending forward. The walking steps of a person are fast and small to maintain the center of gravity.
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Steppage or Neuropathic Gait - The person takes high steps while walking with this kind of gait pattern. The high steps are caused when a person elevates their hips to lift their legs higher than normal. In such a case, the foot of a person appears floppy when a person drops it.
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Scissors Gait - In this type of gait, the person walks in a crisscross or scissor pattern, where the thigh and knees hit each other. The person usually walks slowly and takes small steps. Scissor's gait can affect a person diagnosed with spastic cerebral palsy.
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Antalgic Gait - It is the most common type of walking pattern abnormalities. It makes a person limp by putting pressure on the affected foot or leg or makes it difficult to take steps with this foot.
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Crouching Gait - In this gait, the person’s knees, ankles, and hips flex while walking. The toes of a person may drag, and they appear bending down as they walk.
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Waddling Gait - In this type of gait, the upper body movements are more exaggerated, and create a duck-like walk. This type of gait usually occurs due to hip dislocation or muscular dystrophy present since birth.
How Can Walking Patterns Be Treated to Reduce Force on Weight-Bearing Joints?
The doctor can prescribe medications for any underlying medical conditions that may be the cause of abnormal walking patterns in a person. They can also advise a person to take rest if they have painful joints to avoid any further exaggeration of the condition. A person can also take up strengthening exercises and physical therapy to cope with joint pain and learn a normal walking pattern to reduce stress on their knees. They can also use motility devices, such as canes to help them walk properly without putting much force on the weight-bearing joints. A person should be advised to wear properly fitted shoes with a flat base to help them walk comfortably.
Conclusion
With all these precautions, it is also necessary for a person to strengthen the muscles of the foot, knee, and back, as they will reduce the wear and tear of the weight-bearing joints. So, one must go out, continue the morning fitness regime, and stay healthier by keeping these points in mind. They should also seek medical help if they come across a change in their walking pattern which can be due to an underlying medical condition for early diagnosis and treatment.
