One in ten U.S. adults has difficulty walking three city blocks. This is roughly the distance between the back of a parking lot to the back of a grocery store. The causes of walking disorders are highly varied; they range from injury to disease and from birth defects to medications.

Arthritis is a joint disorder caused by inflammation.

Balance disorders

Central vestibular- affects the brain

Systemic balance disorder- major body systems are affected.

Vascular Balance disorder- blood flow is affected.

Birth defects - from genetics or toxicity

Brain disorders – from trauma, disease or medications

Hip disorders- from arthritis, fractures, dislocation and gout

Knee disorders- from arthritis, chondromalacia, fracture and gout

Leg disorders- in the ankle, bone, foot, shin, skin and blood vessels

Neurological disorders

Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune disease. M.S attacks the central nervous system and causes severe pain. Effects are from mold to disabling. Symptoms include: muscle weakness, loss of balance, inability to walk and paralysis.

Parkinson's disease most common in the elderly, this disease is marked by muscular rigidly and slow imprecise movement.

Neuromuscular disease is a broad term that covers any ailment that impairs the functioning of the muscles.

Spinal disorders

Herniated disc

Spinal disc disorders

Types of Bow legged walking

Osteomalaxia

Oseoarthritis

Rickets

Paget's disease of bone

Medications-side effects that make you lose muscle coordination and balance.

These previous conditions cause gait abnormalities.

Gait abnormalities refers to the deviation of normal walking

Proplusive Gait is characterized by a slouched, rigid posture. They walk with their head thrust forward.

Scissors Gait is characterized by a crouched posture with legs that bent slightly inward. A person with scissors gait may walk with his or her knees or legs crossing or hitting each other.

Spastic Gait-A person with spastic gait may drag his feet while walking. He or she may also appear to walk very stiffly.

Steppage Gait- is characterized by the downward angle of the foot. The toes point towards the ground. This causes the top of the toes to touch the ground while walking.

Waddling Gait is defined by a side to side movement.

Professional treatment

Physiotherapists will be able to advise you on suitable exercises to maintain the correct posture.

Podiatrists can advise you on the correct footwear.

Parkinson's Disease Nurse Specialist

Occupational Therapists will be able to advise you on suitable walking aids and the correct way to use them. It is important that the walker or cane is adjusted to the perfect height. They can help you with the techniques used for crossing hazardous grounds like ice. They have even thought of WALKER CUP HOLDERS. This attachable drink holder allows you to carry around a cup of coffee.