Chapter 58: Walking difficulty and leg swelling

INTRODUCTION

The clinical evaluation of the person presenting with difficulty walking can be very complex, especially for abnormal gaits caused by neurological conditions. Not all gaits fall into a single category; gait disturbances may be multifactorial, especially in the elderly.

Non-neurological conditions are the most common cause of walking difficulties. They include various arthritic conditions of the lower limbs, usually presenting as a limp, other mechanical factors, such as swelling of the legs, disorders of circulation such as intermittent claudication, and general debility (e.g. malignancy, anaemia and endocrine disorders such as hyperparathyroidism).

It is important for the general practitioner not to overlook hypokalaemia and drugs or the myopathies as a cause of walking difficulty. The drugs that require special consideration include alcohol, corticosteroids, chloroquine, colchicine, the statins, gemfibrozil, diuretics, beta blockers and general anaesthetic agents.

ABNORMAL GAITS

It is convenient to classify abnormal gaits as painless or painful (antalgic). With antalgic gaits the rhythm is disturbed; with painless abnormal gaits the contour is affected. One type of skeletal mechanical abnormality is described as arthrogenic (due particularly to hip disorders) and a second type as osteogenic (due to a shortened limb).

Neurogenic gaits and myogenic gaits are considered together, under the heading ‘Neurological disorders of gait’.

Psychogenic or ‘hysterical’ gait may have to be considered if the gait is bizarre, inconsistent or seems greatly exaggerated. Falls are rare. On the other hand, loss of confidence, especially in the elderly, is an important cause of gait disturbance. However, many abnormal gaits that are caused by neurological disease may also appear bizarre, and caution is advised. Doubtful cases should be referred for an expert opinion.

EXAMINATION OF GAIT AND POSTURE

¹Disorders of gait and posture go hand in hand because of a common physiological process.

The source of the abnormality is indicated.

• 1 Ask the patient to stand.

  Note any difficulty in reaching a standing position. Difficulty = proximal muscle weakness.

• 2 Ask the patient to stand with feet together and eyes open at first, then eyes closed for up to 60 seconds (Romberg test).

  If positive (sways or falls) = loss of proprioception (e.g. peripheral neuropathy).

• 3 Ask the patient to walk normally for a few metres (ensure sufficient testing length).