Which gait abnormality is commonly observed with subtalar involvement in rheumatoid arthritis?

Which gait abnormality is commonly observed with subtalar involvement in rheumatoid arthritis?

• A. Unsteady gait
• B. Antalgic gait
• C. Trendelenburg gait
• D. Cerebellar ataxia

Answer: (A)

Subtalar involvement in rheumatoid arthritis disrupts hindfoot stability during the stance phase. The subtalar joint normally allows inversion and eversion to adapt to the ground and keep the foot stable as you move. When this joint is inflamed or deformed, the hindfoot becomes unstable and pronates more easily, leading to an inconsistent base of support and a gait that looks unsteady or wobbly. Pain can accompany this, but the hallmark here is the loss of stable hindfoot control rather than a simple pain-avoidance pattern. Other gait patterns point to different issues: antalgic gait is primarily about pain avoidance, Trendelenburg gait reflects hip abductor weakness, and cerebellar ataxia involves broad-based incoordination due to CNS issues.

Subtalar involvement in rheumatoid arthritis disrupts hindfoot stability during the stance phase. The subtalar joint normally allows inversion and eversion to adapt to the ground and keep the foot stable as you move. When this joint is inflamed or deformed, the hindfoot becomes unstable and pronates more easily, leading to an inconsistent base of support and a gait that looks unsteady or wobbly. Pain can accompany this, but the hallmark here is the loss of stable hindfoot control rather than a simple pain-avoidance pattern. Other gait patterns point to different issues: antalgic gait is primarily about pain avoidance, Trendelenburg gait reflects hip abductor weakness, and cerebellar ataxia involves broad-based incoordination due to CNS issues.