Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Frequently Asked Questions
Most people will experience an unsteady gait (a person’s pattern of walking) at some point in their lifetime, including when tripping over an obstacle, limping after an injury, or having difficulty with balance while intoxicated. However, these symptoms are temporary. An unsteady gait that is persistent can be a sign of an underlying health condition. It can also be a side effect of some medications.
This article discusses unsteady gait, what the symptoms are, potential causes, and how it is treated.
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Symptoms of Unsteady Gait
The main symptom of an unsteady gait is being unbalanced while walking.
Depending on the underlying cause, other issues that may occur with an unsteady gait include:
Causes of Unsteady Gait
An unsteady gait can occur with a develop from health conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system (muscles and joints), vestibular system (inner ear and brain), or the nervous system (brain, spinal cord, orperipheral nerves) that controls body movements. An unsteady gait can also occur as a side effect of certain medications.
Musculoskeletal Conditions
Conditions that affect joints and muscles in the legs can cause an unsteady gait. Examples include:
These conditions can lead to pain, bruising, or swelling.
Musculoskeletal conditions are often treated withnonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)to help decrease symptoms during the healing process. Physical therapy is commonly prescribed to address the unsteady gait that occurs with these conditions.
In some cases, surgery is required. Severe osteoarthritis in the hip or knee is frequently treated with total joint replacement. Significant leg length discrepancies might requireleg-lengthening surgery.
Vestibular Conditions
The vestibular system is made up of structures in the inner ear and areas of the brain that interpret information from these structures.
Common vestibular conditions include:
Vestibular Disorder SymptomsIn addition to unsteady gait, vestibular disorders can cause many other symptoms, such as:NauseaDizzinessVertigo (feeling like the room is spinning)ConfusionLoss of balance or fallingBlurry vision
Vestibular Disorder Symptoms
In addition to unsteady gait, vestibular disorders can cause many other symptoms, such as:NauseaDizzinessVertigo (feeling like the room is spinning)ConfusionLoss of balance or fallingBlurry vision
In addition to unsteady gait, vestibular disorders can cause many other symptoms, such as:
Vestibular disorders are diagnosed through a variety of tests that assess the function of the inner ear. Examples include:
Vestibular conditions are typically treated with medications and/orvestibular rehabilitationexercises.
Neurological Conditions
A variety of neurological conditions cause unsteady gait. These conditions affect the brain, spinal cord, or peripheral nerves that travel through the legs.
Examples include:
Other diagnostic tools used to identify neurological conditions include:
Treatment for neurological disorders is condition-specific but often includes medication. In some cases, surgery may be required.
Physical Therapy for Unsteady GaitPhysical therapy (PT) is also an important part of treatment for conditions that cause difficulty walking.PT exercises for unsteady gaitinclude:Balance activitiesStrengthening exercisesOrthotic devices (shoe inserts that correct conditions of the foot or ankle) or braces for joint supportGait training with assistive devices (such as walkers or canes)
Physical Therapy for Unsteady Gait
Physical therapy (PT) is also an important part of treatment for conditions that cause difficulty walking.PT exercises for unsteady gaitinclude:Balance activitiesStrengthening exercisesOrthotic devices (shoe inserts that correct conditions of the foot or ankle) or braces for joint supportGait training with assistive devices (such as walkers or canes)
Physical therapy (PT) is also an important part of treatment for conditions that cause difficulty walking.PT exercises for unsteady gaitinclude:
What Medications Can Cause Unsteady Gait?
Unsteady gait and balance issues can be a side effect of a variety of medications. Examples include:
If you suspect that your medication might be causing an unsteady gait, ask your healthcare provider about possible alternatives.
When to See a Healthcare ProviderTalk to your healthcare provider if you have an unsteady gait without a temporary, known cause. It can be a symptom of an underlying health condition. Early treatment of conditions that affect gait can also help prevent serious injuries that can occur if you fall.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Talk to your healthcare provider if you have an unsteady gait without a temporary, known cause. It can be a symptom of an underlying health condition. Early treatment of conditions that affect gait can also help prevent serious injuries that can occur if you fall.
Summary
An unsteady gait can be a temporary side effect of an injury or intoxication, or it can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. An unsteady gait can be a result of issues with the musculoskeletal, vestibular, or nervous systems. It can also be a side effect of medication. Treatment of unsteady gait includes medication, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery.
A Word From Verywell
Frequently Asked QuestionsAn unsteady gait can occur with health conditions that affect the musculoskeletal, vestibular, or nervous systems. It can also be a side effect of medications.Treatment for unsteady gait depends on the underlying cause. Treatment often includes medications and physical therapy.Unsteady gait causes staggering or stumbling when walking. It can lead to falls, dizziness, and confusion.
An unsteady gait can occur with health conditions that affect the musculoskeletal, vestibular, or nervous systems. It can also be a side effect of medications.
Treatment for unsteady gait depends on the underlying cause. Treatment often includes medications and physical therapy.
Unsteady gait causes staggering or stumbling when walking. It can lead to falls, dizziness, and confusion.
8 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute on Aging.Older adults and balance problems.Vestibular Disorders Association.About vestibular disorders.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Vestibular balance disorder.Vestibular Disorders Association.Tests for diagnosing vestibular disorders.Vestibular Disorders Association.Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT).MedlinePlus.Degenerative nerve diseases.National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Neurological diagnostic tests and procedures.Harvard Health Publishing.How medications can affect your balance.
8 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute on Aging.Older adults and balance problems.Vestibular Disorders Association.About vestibular disorders.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Vestibular balance disorder.Vestibular Disorders Association.Tests for diagnosing vestibular disorders.Vestibular Disorders Association.Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT).MedlinePlus.Degenerative nerve diseases.National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Neurological diagnostic tests and procedures.Harvard Health Publishing.How medications can affect your balance.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Institute on Aging.Older adults and balance problems.Vestibular Disorders Association.About vestibular disorders.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Vestibular balance disorder.Vestibular Disorders Association.Tests for diagnosing vestibular disorders.Vestibular Disorders Association.Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT).MedlinePlus.Degenerative nerve diseases.National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Neurological diagnostic tests and procedures.Harvard Health Publishing.How medications can affect your balance.
National Institute on Aging.Older adults and balance problems.
Vestibular Disorders Association.About vestibular disorders.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Vestibular balance disorder.
Vestibular Disorders Association.Tests for diagnosing vestibular disorders.
Vestibular Disorders Association.Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT).
MedlinePlus.Degenerative nerve diseases.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Neurological diagnostic tests and procedures.
Harvard Health Publishing.How medications can affect your balance.
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