WALKING DIFFICULTY
Problems standing or moving might accompany walking difficulties. There are many health reasons why children can have difficulty in walking. Medical reasons like brain or spinal tumors can change the way people walk.
If your child needs surgery or casting, our Fracture Care Clinic opens every day and you do not need an appointment. Surgery rooms get scheduled every morning, so your child receives the care and attention they need right away.
Walking Difficulty
Most people consider walking as an everyday activity. Although it facilitates a variety of tasks, it is also crucial to realize that issues can arise with walking that might impair its effectiveness. Walking problems can cause stress, and pain. Such walking issues might occur for a number of causes. Problems standing or moving might make it very difficult to walk. If any of the following symptoms are present, it may result in difficulty walking, which is a typical sign of a brain tumor:
- Weakness in one or both legs, or both legs and feet
- One or both legs may experience a change in feeling, such as numbness or burning.
- Difficulty balancing or a sense of unsteadiness
- Fatigue
What Causes Walking Difficulties?
Most of the time, walking problems are easy to identify. One of the most typical symptoms is loss of balance, which makes it difficult to move about. They may tumble and lose their footing as a result of the walking issue. Dizziness and exhaustion are some more signs. Other challenges with walking include fatigue and exhaustion when walking a very short distance. These symptoms point doctors to vitamin deficiency like iron. Walking difficulties might also be brought on by back discomfort. Often, it serves as a musculoskeletal marker. Other signs to check out for to comprehend the difficulties in walking include palpitations, chest discomfort, and shortness of breath.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
What could be causing my child's walking difficulties?
Walking difficulties in children can have various causes. It could be due to developmental factors, muscle weakness, neurological issues, orthopedic conditions, or even a combination of factors. A thorough physical examination and, if necessary, additional tests can help identify the underlying cause.
Is this a normal part of my child's development, or should I be concerned?
While some variations in the development of walking skills are normal, persistent or severe walking difficulties may indicate an underlying issue. It’s essential to monitor your child’s development and seek medical advice if you notice significant delays or abnormalities. Early intervention can often be key in addressing and managing any potential issues.
What are the potential treatment options for my child's walking difficulties?
Treatment options will depend on the specific cause of the walking difficulties. For example, physical therapy may be recommended to address muscle weakness or coordination issues. Orthopedic interventions, such as braces or corrective footwear, might be suggested for certain conditions. In some cases, surgery may be necessary. The treatment plan will be tailored to your child’s individual needs based on the diagnosis.
It’s crucial for parents to communicate openly with their child’s doctor, provide detailed information about the symptoms and their observations, and follow any recommended diagnostic and treatment plans. Early intervention and collaboration with healthcare professionals can significantly improve outcomes for children with walking difficulties.
Walking differently can be a medical indication that something is wrong. Make an appointment with one of our pediatric orthopedists to ensure everything is fine.
What Are the Reasons for Walking Difficulties in Children?
Walking issues may come and go. Reasons for this include physical injuries like cuts, sprains, and cramping in the legs that interfere with walking by impairing the function of the feet and back. In other situations, a person could have behavioral challenges, limb injuries, or neurological problems. Other reasons include fractures, infections in the knee and other areas, and long-term conditions like arthritis, which can cause inflammation and limit mobility. Because of neurological, trauma, and infections, the following walking difficulties are classified under certain named gaits:
- Antalgic Gait
- Choreiform Gait
- Diplegic Gait
- Gait Abnormality
- Hemiplegic-gait
- Myopathic Gait
- Neuropathic Gait
- Parkinsonian Gait
- Scissoring Gait
- Sensory Gait
- Spastic Gait
- Steppage Gait
- Waddling Gait
Musculoskeletal Roots of Walking Difficulties
The unfavorable effects of the muscles or the skeletal structure on the body are referred to as musculoskeletal reasons for walking difficulties. Hip dysplasia, tendonitis, and bad posture are examples of this. These disorders physically affect the muscles that restrict mobility. A herniated disc and weak muscles can make it difficult to walk since the body’s muscles and bones are not working properly.
Neurologic Causes of Walking Difficulty
The nerve system and the brain work together to coordinate actions in the muscles and joints that tell the portions of the legs to move during walking. The problem with walking has a neurological reason when there is a breakdown in this kind of communication. For example, a brain tumor may cause the difficulty. Furthermore, the body’s capacity to send information through the neurological system is impacted by several conditions, including Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and ear infections, which impair the body’s capacity to walk appropriately.
Sensory Reasons for Walking Difficulties
Sensory issues might also contribute to difficulty walking. As a result, the body frequently loses its equilibrium while walking because it is unable to comprehend the sensory input required for walking. Ear wax buildup, severe ear infections, issues with visual processing, and deafness can all contribute to this. The body may not understand its environment, which might cause movement difficulties.
Other Reasons for Difficulty in Walking
There are several more causes of difficulty walking. Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are examples of mental health conditions that can sometimes affect a person’s ability to walk. They could feel off balance and stumble when walking. Other factors include anemia, heart conditions, and even poisoning, which exhaust the body and impair walking. In addition, unresolved issues and vitamin deficiency can lead to weariness and make walking difficult. It is crucial to start treating them right away.
Treatment And Diagnoses
A medical expert, such as a pediatric orthopedist doctor, can identify walking difficulties. The doctor will often do a few physical examinations, such as easy activities that assist in determining the child’s health. Blood tests and imaging, including X-rays and MRI, can be used to monitor this condition and learn more about any underlying needs for the brain or spinal cord.
These can Assist in Making a Diagnosis and Creating a Treatment Strategy
Treatment options for problems walking are numerous. Sometimes doctors will prescribe medication to treat physical issues like poor balance. People who are unable to walk might benefit from physiotherapy for walking by having their muscles and joints relaxed. In some situations, doctors may suggest using a walking aid to facilitate walking, such as shoe inserts or walking sticks. In addition to strengthening the muscles and joints, physical therapy also helps with posture and balance, which can lead to greater walking abilities. Effective management of the disease and a reduction in its effects on mobility can also be achieved by treating underlying conditions.
Choosing Medical City Children’s Orthopedics and Spine Specialists
Always consult with your doctor if your child begins to walk differently. If you come to one of our Medical City Children’s Orthopedics & Spine Specialists offices in Arlington, Dallas, Flower Mound, Frisco, and McKinney, TX our pediatric orthopedic doctors will examine your child and recommend the best treatment option to repair the problem and get your child back playing again.
As previously mentioned, our doctors at the Medical City Children’s Orthopedics and Spine Specialists, will examine your child and understand the reasons for an unusual gait. At that point, the doctor will prepare an individualized treatment plan for your child if he finds the cause of the unusual gait. After correcting the problem, your child will resume his or her favorite activities.
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Footnote:
Medline Plus: Walking Problems
Call 214-556-0590 to make an appointment.