Ruskin Bond Hospitalised: What Is Gait Disorder the 90-Year-Old Author Is Suspected to Have?

Ruskin Bond has been hospitalised in Dehradun after he complained of extreme discomfort in his leg. According to doctors, the 90-year-old best-selling author is currently undergoing treatment under medical

supervision. Bond's family members said that one of his legs has weakened, causing difficulty in walking. While news reports say he is expected to be discharged from the hospital in the next few days, Bond is suspected to be suffering from Gait Disorder, abnormalities in how people, mostly old people, walk, like losing speed, smoothness, symmetry, or balance. Born in 1934, in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh, Bond is known for his captivating stories and over several decades has written many novels, short stories, and essays, mostly covering Children’s topics. His writing often reflects the peaceful landscapes of his early years in the hills.

What is a Gait disorder?

A gait disorder is an abnormal walking pattern caused by problems in the brain, nerves, muscles, or bones, leading to issues with balance, coordination, and movement, often increasing fall risk and affecting independence, with common signs being slow, uneven, or unsteady walking. These deviations from normal gait signal underlying conditions - ranging from minor issues like arthritis to serious neurological diseases, and require medical assessment to identify the cause, such as Parkinson's, stroke, or even neuropathy. According to doctors, it is common among older people, which causes irregular steps that affect your ability to walk in a straight line when you walk heel to toe. You may feel unsteady if you have an ataxic gait.

How common are walking abnormalities?

Doctors say gait abnormalities are more common as you age, as around 15 per cent of those who experience a gait abnormality happen after they reach 60 years of age. However, more than 80 per cent of people over 85 years have a gait abnormality. Children are less likely to have a gait abnormality unless they have an underlying health condition or experience an injury.

Signs and symptoms of walking abnormalities?

A few signs and symptoms of gait abnormalities vary based on which type of abnormality you experience. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Dragging or shuffling your feet
• Feeling out of balance when you walk
• Stiff muscles or joints in your hips and legs
• Swaying side to side with each step
• Walking with your head and neck bent toward the ground
• Taking higher than normal steps and dropping your feet with each step
• Taking small steps
• Pain when walking

What can cause walking difficulties?

According to experts, a few possible causes and contributing factors to walking disorders or abnormalities include:

• Joint pain
• An old injury that includes bone injury and fractures
• Sores on your feet and calluses
• Shoes that do not fit well
• Inner ear issues
• Nerve damage
• Vision issues
• Parkinson’s disease
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Stroke
• Arthritis
• Cerebral Palsy
• Hemiplegia
• Spinal stenosis and a herniated disk