10 reasons why older adults walk with a shuffling gait
Reviewed by: Dr. Claire Hsing, DPT
Don’t ignore a shuffling walk
As we age, shuffling or dragging our feet while walking becomes more common, but it’s important to remember that it’s not normal. Many people develop this habit without even noticing it. Aging brings about physical changes that affect our walking style, such as shorter steps and a slower overall pace. These changes impact our walking pattern, also known as our gait.
Shuffling is a type of abnormal gait. This is in contrast to normal gait, which refers to a walk that is smooth and coordinated, and involves effortless turns and arm swings. On the other hand, gait abnormalities such as limping, short steps, or dragging feet can be related to higher fall risk. They may also indicate a more serious health condition.So, what causes shuffling? The short answer is that they’re not doing it on purpose. The first step to addressing the root cause of dragging feet is to determine what’s causing it. At Bold, we talk a lot about recognizing signs associated with falls, and a shuffling walk can be one of them.
10 common reasons why seniors may develop a shuffling gait
Muscle weakness
If we have weak muscles in our lower body, such as around the foot, ankle, legs, or hips, this can make it more difficult to adopt a more normal gait pattern.
Joint pain
Like everyone else, older adults may experience joint pain which affects their gait. In some older adults, conditions linked to joint pain such as arthritis are more common. Joint pain can make it harder to move the joints, limiting the range of motion while walking.
Loss of foot flexibility
As we age, the muscles and tissues that connect, cushion, and support our bones become stiffer. This can make it harder to flex our feet normally, leading us to adopt an irregular gait.
Difficulty with balance
Our balance comes from three systems working together: the musculoskeletal system senses body position, the visual system helps us see our surroundings, and the vestibular system in the inner ear senses motion and head position. These systems are closely linked to areas of the brain that coordinate movement. Muscle loss, vision problems, and cognitive changes can affect balance, making it harder to stay steady and making us more prone to dragging our feet.
Vision problems
If we have eyesight issues, it can be harder to perceive our surroundings and coordinate movement.
Fear of falling
Some people who have fallen in the past may walk with short steps and a stooped posture out of fear of falling again. These changes may seem helpful, but they actually make walking more difficult and less efficient.
Medication side effects
Some medications can cause issues with movement, such as tremors, stiffness, and unsteady gait. Other medications may cause dizziness or visual impairments which also contribute to gait abnormalities.
Worn or poorly-fitting shoes or slippers
Uncomfortable shoes can change the way we step.
Changes in your surroundings
Out of fear of falling or tripping, many of us will shuffle our feet on slippery surfaces, uneven sidewalks, or poorly lit areas.
Non-orthopedic health conditions
Some age-related health conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease and dementia can cause motor issues that impact gait.
A shuffling walk increases fall risk
It might seem like not picking up your feet when you walk isn’t that important. But if someone is dragging or generally not lifting their feet off the ground while walking, they’re at a much greater risk of falling. This is because when we slide our feet, we’re much more likely to trip on rugs, door thresholds, or slightly uneven surfaces. In addition, older adults who shuffle are more likely to stumble because their shoes can catch on the ground. Plus, the narrow foot stance can make someone more unbalanced than if they had a regular walking stance.
Alicia Rios, Bold’s head trainer, explains, “Falling is a common concern as we age, and can be caused by a combination of reasons, from regular age-related changes to medical conditions and even environmental factors. One of the most common reasons for falling as we age is loss of muscle mass, also known as sarcopenia, which affects muscle strength, flexibility, and mobility. Shuffling only amplifies changes in our gait and balance and coordination, furthering our fall risk. Luckily, there are strategies we can implement to minimize it and improve our balance.”
What to expect from talking to your healthcare provider
If you or your loved ones observe a shuffling gait pattern, consider reaching out to your healthcare provider or physical therapist to discuss your risk of falling. Unless the reason is obvious and easily corrected, like replacing a too-old pair of shoes that are loose, it’s best to have a thorough check-up with your doctor.
To prepare for your doctor’s appointment, take note of any patterns you observe with your gait. For example, think about when you shuffle the most (such as at the end of the day, early morning, after certain activities) and where you shuffle the most (such as outside of the home, at the playground).
To diagnose and treat your situation, your doctor may do a physical examination or gait analysis to check for gait disorders or recommend imaging and tests. In some cases, your doctor may find that irregular gait is linked to a health condition such as Parkinson’s disease. For example, Parkinsonian gait, also known as festinating gait, is a walking pattern in individuals with Parkinson’s disease characterized by slow, short steps, and sudden, involuntary stops in walking known as freezing. Understanding the underlying causes of shuffling can allow us to improve our walk. Treatments for gait issues like this include physical therapy, medication, regular exercise, and other techniques.
What you can do about a shuffling walk
Regular exercise can help you improve flexibility and balance, which are common concerns for people with a shuffling gait. Adding strengthening exercises to your weekly routine can help combat age-related muscle loss and build balance. Bold has online, expert-led exercise classes to help you get stronger and healthier. Designed by clinical experts for older adults, Bold has thousands of seated and standing classes for you to explore. Check if you’re eligible for Bold at no cost through your health plan, and start your first class today. Check if you’re eligible for Bold at no cost through your health plan, and start your first class today.