The treatment and prevention of gait disturbances depends on the cause. Once the cause is treated, the disturbance will often go away. Recurrence of the disturbance can usually be prevented by preventing the injury or illness that caused the disturbance.

One of the most common causes of gait disturbances is pain. When a disturbance is caused by pain, it may be eased by rest, ice therapy, and elevation. Analgesics or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may also be used. Typically, if the cause of the pain is removed, the resulting gait disturbance will vanish as well. Some causes of gait disturbances may require hospitalization, antibiotics or even surgery, such as arthroscopy, arthroplasty, leg surgery or spine surgery.

Devices such as splints, casts, canes or braces may improve mobility and function. These tools may be of particular assistance when gait disturbances seriously interfere in the patient’s daily activities.

There are many treatment methods that can help correct or decrease gait disturbances. These methods may focus on treating the underlying cause of the problem as well as the actual gait disturbance. These methods include:

• Physical therapy (PT). Physical therapy is commonly used to improve muscle tone, strength and balance and to teach correction techniques. PT can help determine the cause of the gait disturbance and it is often prescribed by a physician after a structural injury or surgery. PT may be particularly useful when a gait disturbance has existed for a long time and has become habitual.
  
  
• Occupational therapy (OT). Occupational therapy may be used to teach a patient how to maximize independence in daily activities, such as bathing and housekeeping, that may be affected by a gait disturbance. An occupational therapist may visit a patient’s home to make recommendations for assistive devices, such as grab bars in the shower or elevated toilets.
  
  
• Manipulation therapy. A chiropractor may help with gait disturbances with treatment for spinal problems (misalignment) or posture difficulties. Chiropractic treatment may be successful in treating the cause as well as reducing pain from gait problems.
  
  
• Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Therapies such as acupuncture or biofeedback may help treat the cause and reduce pain or problems from gait disturbances.

There is no sure way to avoid gait disturbances, but it helps to practice general good health measures. For example, getting regular exercise, eating nutritious food, controlling weight, having routine medical care, limiting alcohol and abstaining from tobacco may reduce the risk of conditions ranging from osteoarthritis to neuropathy. Safety measures such as driving defensively and using seatbelts and protective sports equipment reduce the risk of trauma that could impair walking.