Many different health conditions can cause limping (antalgic gait) when you walk.
This can include acute injuries as well as gradually progressing medical concerns.
This article will detail the most common causes of and treatments for limping.
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This can alter the normal movement of a joint and lead to pain.
Sprains affectthe bodys ligaments, while strains impact muscle tendons.
In either case, sprains and strains occur when the impacted structure is overstretched or partially torn.
This damage can lead to pain and antalgic gait when it occurs in the leg.
These include:
Osteoarthritistypically results in pain, stiffness, clicking, and occasionally swelling in the affected joint.
Moving around and warming up the joint tends to make OA symptoms feel better.
More severe injuries can also make the leg feel unstable and cause it to give way as you walk.
Occasionally, bruising may also occur in the area of the injury.
Lumbar radiculopathy commonly leads to shooting pain and paresthesia in the leg.
Occasionally, the affected leg also feels like it is going to buckle while you are standing or walking.
In more advanced cases,a corticosteroid injectionor joint replacement surgery may prove necessary.
In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to restore your joint’s stability and improve your walking.
Limping from lumbar radiculopathy is initially treated with NSAIDs andmuscle relaxants.
Physical therapy is also frequently initiated to build strength in your core and alleviate your walking symptoms.
Are There Tests That Diagnose the Cause of Limping?
Your healthcare provider may order several different diagnostic tests to determine the cause of your limp.
The presence of any of these associated symptoms may indicate a more serious condition that should receive immediate attention.
This condition can also cause pain, stiffness, popping, and limping while you walk.
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