SPASTIC GAIT
Spastic gait, a kind of walking that is frequently seen in people with cerebral palsy or multiple sclerosis, is characterized by one leg being rigid and dragging in a semicircular motion on the side most affected by chronic muscular tension.
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Spastic Gait
Spastic gait portrays a kind of walking that is frequently seen in people with cerebral palsy or multiple sclerosis. It is characterized by one leg being rigid and dragging in a semicircular motion. Children with this type of gait usually possess weak and unusually rigid legs. Children will walk with their legs held closer together than usual. They will drag their feet or toes and lack the normal range of motion in their knees and ankles. Doctors recognize that children with Spastic gait appear to have rigidity and bounce in the legs as well as a propensity for circumduction and foot scuffing. In severe cases, the adductor muscles cause the legs to cross. Shoes frequently show an uneven outerwear pattern.
Spastic Gait Defined
Spastic gait is a strange way of walking. It could look like the child is dragging their legs, feet, and toes while trying to hold their legs together. Spastic gait occurs in children with cerebral palsy, but it can also happen to a few other disorders. Leg muscles that become tight yet weak may cause a spastic gait.
Doctors often see one leg being dragged. This is because the muscles become clenched for an extended period of time, particularly on one side. For children afflicted, their lack of flexibility prevents them from properly moving their knees, ankles, or other joints. This gives the appearance that they walk stiffly as the stiff leg seems to get pulled along when walking.
What Can Cause Spastic Gait?
The following identify ailments that can cause spastic gait:
- Cerebral Palsy (CP)
- Birth Trauma
- Brain Abscess
- Brain Tumor
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Stroke
- Various neurological illnesses
- Genetic disorders including Sturge-Weber Syndrome
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
What causes spastic gait in children, and does it become a lifelong condition?
Spastic gait in children refers to conditions affecting the central nervous system, such as cerebral palsy. Increased muscle tone and stiffness make it challenging for the child to move smoothly. The severity and prognosis depend on the underlying condition. While spastic gait appears today as a lifelong concern, early intervention, physical therapy, and other treatments can significantly improve the child’s functional abilities and quality of life.
What are the treatment options for spastic gait, and how can we help our child at home?
Treatment for spastic gait often involves a multidisciplinary approach. Physical therapy appears as a key component to help improve muscle strength, flexibility, and coordination. Doctors can prescribe medications such as muscle relaxants or anti-spasticity drugs to reduce the spastic gait. Orthopedic interventions, such as braces or orthopedic surgery, also aid the child. At home, parents can support their child by encouraging regular physical therapy exercises, ensuring a safe and accessible environment, and promoting independence in daily activities to the best extent possible.
What is the long-term outlook for my child with spastic gait, and can they lead a normal life?
The long-term outlook for a child with spastic gait depends on various factors, including the underlying cause, the severity of symptoms, and the effectiveness of interventions. While some children may experience ongoing challenges, many can lead fulfilling lives with appropriate support. Regular follow-up with healthcare providers, including specialists in pediatric neurology and physical therapy, becomes crucial to monitor progress, make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan, and address emerging concerns. Early intervention and consistent management often contribute to better outcomes.
Parents should maintain open communication with healthcare professionals to address their specific concerns about a child with a spastic gait. The doctor can provide a more detailed assessment, discuss treatment options, and offer support to help manage the child’s condition.
Schedule an Appoint at Medical City Children’s Orthopedics and Spine Specialists if your child has an unusual gait
Spastic Gait caused due to Cerebral Palsy.
It happens due to injury to the area of the brain that regulates arm and leg motions and muscle tone. Reduced flexibility and increased spasticity or tight muscles are seen. Leg deformities do not exist at birth but instead, develop over time. The spastic gait is caused by muscles that are too tight and hypertonic with a limited range of motion.
Spastic Gait caused due to Multiple Sclerosis.
Both flexor and extensor spasticity in this syndrome might alter the gait. Bending of the hips and knees towards the chest might occur by unintentional flexion of the hamstring muscles at the back of the thighs. Legs straighten unintentionally when extended; the tight alignment of the hips and knees, together with the proximity of the legs to one another, gives the stride the rigid aspect of spastic walking.
Traumatic brain injury induced by Spastic Gait
Important nerve centers can become affected by damage to the brain, cerebellum, or brainstem, which can change reflex signals, muscle tone, sensory perceptions, and movements. After a brain injury, an odd posture may occur where the hips and knees are kept straight but the ankles are flexed, which can give the appearance of a spastic walk.
Spastic Gait Treatment
Clinical examination, a detailed history, information on pregnancy and delivery complications, and a record of any accidents, trauma, or other disorders are all used to analyze spastic gait properly. Pertinent research and imaging tests might assist in finding the source of spasticity. Doctors consider the following relevant treatment methods to provide help for those with Spastic Gait.
- A careful assessment of the potential side effects should take place before using medication to lessen the muscular spasms that are frequently seen in spasticity.
- To treat spastic or hyperactive muscles, botulinum toxin (BTA) injections can work.
- Surgical options will help in many cases.
Numerous medical professionals advise ‘passive’ and ‘active’ activities for those who have this walking anomaly. ‘Passive’ exercise is when a second person helps a person with a spastic gait with their motions. Exercises are regarded as ‘active’ if they are carried out independently by the person.
Leg braces can also help maintain a person’s appropriate leg and foot posture when they stand and walk. Shoe splints will also provide the same type of help. A doctor may also recommend a walker for those with spastic gait when that patient has balance issues.
Conclusion
Finally, Spastic gait is a gait that develops in response to an injury to the brain. Causes of spastic gait range from minor to major. The Pediatric Orthopedic Doctors at Medical City Children’s Orthopedics and Spine Specialists, with offices conveniently located in Arlington, Dallas, Flower Mound, Frisco, and McKinney, TX treat kids with spastic gait by diagnosing the cause and treating the child with the most modern methods available.
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