Antalgic Gait
Pronunciation: an-TAL-jik
An abnormal walking pattern adopted to avoid or minimize pain, typically characterised by a shortened stance phase on the affected limb.
Full Definition
Antalgic gait is a compensatory gait deviation in which the patient spends less time bearing weight on a painful limb, resulting in an asymmetric and often limping pattern. In PM&R and musculoskeletal documentation, it is a key observational finding noted during gait analysis and physical examination. Editors should not confuse 'antalgic' with 'analgesic' — they share a Greek root meaning 'against pain,' but antalgic describes a physical pattern, whereas analgesic refers to pain-relieving medication or effect. The term is an adjective and always precedes the noun it modifies (e.g., 'antalgic gait,' 'antalgic posture'). It is lowercase in all non-title contexts.
Usage
Usage note: Do not substitute 'analgesic gait,' which is not a standard clinical term. 'Antalgic' is an adjective only; it should not be used as a noun.
In Context
- "On examination, the patient demonstrated a pronounced antalgic gait favouring the right lower extremity." — Physiatric consultation note
- "The gait analysis report noted resolution of antalgic gait pattern following six weeks of targeted rehabilitation." — Outpatient rehabilitation progress note