Physiotherapy
For most types of gait disorders, physiotherapy offers a good basis for getting the disorders under control or at least improving them to such an extent that a relatively normal everyday life is possible again for those affected. Depending on the cause of the problems, the main aim is then to restore the lost muscle strength, to compensate for imbalances and to relieve tension in the muscles. A physiotherapist will draw up a training plan depending on the individual’s medical history.
In addition to gait training, this plan will include specific exercises to strengthen the muscles and improve coordination and balance. In addition, manual therapy, electrostimulation or heat and cold applications can be used to reduce pain and send new impulses to the nerves so that the harmonious cooperation of the different physical structures can function better again. The exercises learned in physiotherapy can then be performed by the patient at home on his own initiative, in order to achieve long-term improvement.
Neurological causes
Many types of gait disorders have neurological causes with symptoms specific to the disease. These include: Multiple sclerosis, which mainly leads to gait insecurity due to impaired balance, Parkinson’s disease with a forward bent, small-step gait pattern Stroke, brain and spinal cord tumor with different gait disorders, depending on which area of the brain is affected.Borreliosis, caused by inflammation in the central nervous system Alcohol abuse, which damages the nerves by permanent excessive consumption and thus leads to walking insecurities and disorders Inner ear damage, which leads to a disturbance of the balance Vitamin deficiency, which leads to sensations in arms and legs, which then result in walking insecurity Side effects of drugs, especially those that influence the central nervous system (antiepileptic drugs, benzodiazepines, neuroleptics)
- Multiple sclerosis, which mainly leads to gait insecurity due to balance disorders
- Parkinson’s disease with a small-step gait pattern bent forward
- Stroke, brain and spinal cord tumor with various gait disorders, depending on which area of the brain is affected
- Lyme disease, caused by an inflammation in the central nervous system
- Alcohol abuse, which damages the nerves by permanent excessive consumption and thus leads to gait insecurity and disorders
- Damage to the inner ear, which leads to a disturbance of the balance
- Vitamin deficiency, which leads to sensations in arms and legs, which then result in insecure gait
- Side effects of drugs, especially those affecting the central nervous system (antiepileptic drugs, benzodiazepines, neuroleptics)
