As the patient walks into the examining room you can assess his/her gait.
Observe the posture, size of steps, balance, etc.

Antalgic gait
Refers to painful gait.

Ataxic gait
Refers to a wide-based, drunken gait.

Parkinson gait
Characterized by small steps, lack of arm swing, flexion of the trunk and increasing spped with inability to stop. Also referred to as Bradykinetic gait.

Favors-one-side gait
When the patient favors one side. It's seen in stroke and cerebrovasacular disease.

Footdrop gait
In peroneal palsy.

See the Stance & Gait section to learn more.