<h3>What are walking problems?</h3> <p>If you are like most people, you walk thousands of steps each day. You walk to do your daily activities, get around, and exercise. It's something that you usually don't think about. But for those people who have a problem with walking, daily life can be more difficult.</p> <p>Walking problems may cause you to:</p><ul> <li>Walk with your head and neck bent over</li> <li>Drag, drop, or shuffle your feet</li> <li>Have irregular, jerky movements when walking</li> <li>Take smaller steps</li> <li>Waddle</li> <li>Walk more slowly or stiffly</li> </ul> <h3>What causes walking problems?</h3> <p>The pattern of how you walk is called your gait. Many different diseases and conditions can affect your gait and lead to problems with walking. They include:</p><ul> <li>Abnormal development of the muscles or bones of your <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/leginjuriesanddisorders.html">legs</a> or <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/footinjuriesanddisorders.html">feet</a></li> <li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/arthritis.html">Arthritis</a> of the hips, knees, ankles, or feet</li> <li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/cerebellardisorders.html">Cerebellar disorders</a>, which are disorders of the area of the brain that controls coordination and <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/balanceproblems.html">balance</a></li> <li>Foot problems, including <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/cornsandcalluses.html">corns and calluses</a>, sores, and <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/warts.html">warts</a></li> <li>Infections</li> <li>Injuries, such as <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/fractures.html">fractures</a> (broken bones), <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/sprainsandstrains.html">sprains</a>, and <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/tendinitis.html">tendinitis</a></li> <li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/movementdisorders.html">Movement disorders</a>, such as <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/parkinsonsdisease.html">Parkinson's disease</a></li> <li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/neurologicdiseases.html">Neurologic diseases</a>, including <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/multiplesclerosis.html">multiple sclerosis</a> and <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/peripheralnervedisorders.html">peripheral nerve disorders</a></li> <li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/visionimpairmentandblindness.html">Vision problems</a></li> </ul> <h3>How is the cause of a walking problem diagnosed?</h3> <p>To make a diagnosis, your health care provider will ask about your medical history and do a physical exam. This will include checking your bones and muscles and doing a <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/neurological-exam/">neurological exam</a>. In some cases, you may have other tests, such as lab or <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/diagnosticimaging.html">imaging tests</a>.</p> <h3>What are the treatments for walking problems?</h3> <p>Treatment of walking problems depends on the cause. If the cause is a medical condition, treating that condition often improves your walking. Some common types of treatments for walking problems may include:</p><ul> <li>Medicines</li> <li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/mobilityaids.html">Mobility aids</a> such as walkers and canes</li> <li>Physical therapy</li> <li>Special shoes, insoles, splints, or braces</li> <li>Surgery</li> </ul>