Which gait is characterized by dragging feet or lifting them high with knees flexed?

The steppage gait is characterized by an individual dragging their feet or lifting them high with the knees flexed, often resulting from weakness in the dorsiflexors of the foot. This condition can occur in various neurological conditions where there is a loss of control over ankle movements, leading the person to compensate by exaggerating the lifting of the leg to prevent the toes from dragging on the ground.

In steppage gait, due to weakness or paralysis of the ankle dorsiflexor muscles, an individual may demonstrate a high-stepping motion where they flex the knee and hip more than usual, which allows them to clear the toes from the ground. This makes the gait appear erratic and often accompanies a slapping sound as the toes come back down.

Understanding the features of steppage gait is crucial as it can indicate conditions such as peripheral neuropathy or neuropathies affecting the lower limbs. Being familiar with the hallmark signs of various gait patterns can greatly enhance the assessment and management of patients with neurological disorders.