Circumduction: Why does the leg swing out when walking?

Circumduction is a common walking “problem” where someone will swing the leg out to the side to prevent the toe from catching on the ground. Several things can cause this such as foot drop, spasticity, a “stiff leg”, and/or weakness due to a brain injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis and a variety of other neurologic injuries.
Time Stamp:
Exercises begin at: 15:52
Product link for mat table: amzn.to/2my3yhM
Product link resistance bands with belt: amzn.to/3lVohpi
Sign up for our newsletter and get motivational emails and exercise tips:
forms.aweber.com/form/02/1463...
To schedule an in-person evaluation visit: www.orlandoneurotherapy.com/s...
Please only email if you would like to schedule an in person evaluation. All other inquires received via www.orlandoneurotherapy.com will be deleted.
Learn more about our stroke program: www.orlandoneurotherapy.com/s...
NOTE: This channel is part of the amazon associate program. This description contains amazon affiliate links that allow you to find the items mentioned in this video and support the channel at no cost to you. While this channel may earn minimal sums when the viewer uses the links, the viewer is in NO WAY obligated to use these links. Thank you for your support!
** The information in this video is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in this video is for general information purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor/health professional *

[@Zitahun]

I would like to let you know that my recovery would not be anywhere without your videos. You put your heart into your work, and that shines through your videos. God bless every step you take. ❤️

[@rehabhqofficial]

Thank you for watching and for sharing your experience. I am so glad these videos are helping you. Seriously, this makes it all worth it. Keep up the great work!!

[@johnsonbunya7821]

Thanks so much i'm trying healing,i suffered a stroke

[@geejordanjr.4960]

Just wanted to say you’re giving me hope again 🙏🏼

[@nandinijoshi5768]

Very helpful

[@v-life2015]

God bless you more Dr. Tara. Your passion in helping people will go a long way. Many people loves you. 💞

[@chiquita9896]

This is the best and most informative channel I’ve found since my stroke. Awesome resource!

[@teresacollinsporterfield5488]

Thank you Dr. I look so forward to your videos like a kid in a candy store. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to hello people like me. And you have helped me mentally and physically.

[@reneemaes2618]

Ty ma'am I'm Renee I'm a stroke survivor since 2019 I'm still in recovery tysm for Ur videos Ur a blessing

[@sagarrsallah3469]

Thank you, your videos have helped me regain my strength after suffering a stroke

[@nathalie7790]

Love this video I've been working hard on bending my knee while walking and am making progress thanks to your videos.my foot sometimes swing to the side alittle when I try to walk faster. I live by your motto "1% better today than yesterday" Thanks you for all the effort you put into your videos Dr.T.

[@joseburgos5106]

Wow, thank you again. You are an angel to all of us. Definitely will see you one of this days.

[@adamtorret3389]

I appreciate you, you've got me through difficult times!

[@Sunshine-Nina]

🌞👍 Dear Dr. Tara, I love this video, it is so on the point. I had it all 2 years ago. Spastics in leg and and ankle, foot drop and general balance problems from brain fog. Big half circles with every walking. With your videos and lots of practice I overcame most of the circling. The tricky part is to gain back that balance and fight brain fog. So thank you very much for all your super exercises. THEY REALLY HELP!!! 😀👍🌞

[@gerrymulgrewgerryatric]

Once again everything explained in a clear and precise manner. Your videos are so inspiring , professional and well delivered.

[@scousescooter]

Thanks Tara 😊

[@marianneg.6599]

Thank you! This is my problem, stiff leg…going to try it. You are a blessing to me!

[@naturalepiphany]

Channel you are there absolute best with real solutions

[@danielastoyanov2998]

Thank you so much Dr. for the great video! I have been struggling with drop foot fo the last year and half due to pinched S1 nerve and herniated disc L4 and L5. What a nightmare! I’m so glad to find you here. Thank you and God bless you!🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@AZtruthteller]

I just discovered you and am amazed and delighted at the clarity with which you explain the causes and remedies for gait problems. I've subscribed and am going through your videos. My only suggestion would be that you add an outline, numbering system or some other way to refer to and keep track of the videos and exercises so we followers can put together a course to follow. Thank you again for a truly helpful site.

[@kennethlee1818]

Superb video Dr Tobias! Thank you so much. I will do these exercises.

[@mattmortenson9677]

Really good video again! Especially what you mentioned at the end thanks for helping everybody

[@kenbraxton9051]

Thank you! What a fantastic video. You've given me some hope.

[@user-xy5js8fh4y]

Great video! You help me a lot in my work with patients. Thanks a lot!

[@Taleofcrochet]

Thank you so much ma'am... One of my stroke patient 's everyday doubt and questions Lead me to search a lot.. Finally I reached here your chanel .its very helpful.. You always keep me motivated and very interested to watch every video.. Thanks a lot

[@kimberlylivingston4066]

You help me so much. Thank you

[@amyhaney2488]

Thank you

[@lendelrosario7545]

Thank you for your videos very very helpful and you keep me motivated❤️

[@jirapolottpobukadee1139]

I have recovered from stroke for almost a year and want to fix my abnormal walking. This clip will help me very much. Thank u so much, JP from Bkk Thailand.

[@rehabhqofficial]

Thanks for watching and for sharing your story!

[@patrickrobinson4559]

Thank you 🙏🏾

[@monaelkhamli7305]

Thank you very much for your vidéos I've learned sooo much and still learning eveeyday

[@nitinyadav6562]

Thanks for sharing...

[@carrieklypchak2509]

Thank you. I have MS and find your videos very applicable and helpful in trying to determine what's really going on and what I need to work on specifically... Because MS is definitely not "one size fits all" for sure. I wish you lived in Texas and were my PT:)

[@wendyozalp4507]

Thanks so much for thisvideo

[@alrivza]

Thank you so much! A great help. God bless you!

[@lolosdream]

Oh these are helpful, even for TKR patients. Thank you so much!

[@deliaguevara9002]

Thank you Doc. God bless you

[@sequin99]

I never knew it had a name. Love hearing the why to the problem. Thank you!

[@rehabhqofficial]

Thanks for watching! I am glad it was helpful 😊

[@DockerysdreamDolls]

Thanks for sharing.

[@lucagian9801]

wonderfull! the exercise to bend the knee and rise the foot backwards is unvaluable. thank you so very much!

[@sheraaa9169]

Another great video , very informative thanks so much

[@randyk7699]

Excellent! Thank you!

[@engsenglim3569]

Thank you for this video which is very helpful.

[@madison4470]

Thank you so much for your videos! They are very helpful! 😀⭐️🌈

[@ivettebravo1162]

Got bless you, your recomendations are excelent, I live in Puerto Rico, everything is so different around here. I had a stroke 11 months ago, and still struggle with recuperation. That's why I follow your videos, it really helps a lot. Blessings

[@rehabhqofficial]

Hi Ivette. I am so glad that you find these videos helpful. The fact that you are looking for answers on how to help yourself tells me that you are going to go very far in your recovery. Keep it up!! Oh, and please let me know if you if you have anything specific you are having trouble with and I will add it to the list of future videos 😊

[@ivettebravo1162]

@@rehabhqofficial Thank You so much. Blessings ...

[@atokhadi2196]

Thanks so much...

[@usbly]

This is One of the best video You are just awesome Dr. Tara Thanks you so much for this video. It's just a game changer for me

[@rehabhqofficial]

You are very welcome. I hope it helps :)

[@cheriallan8706]

Thank you so much for this. I’ll be working on this. Really liked the recap of exercises at the end and the ones with the X of what not to do. I was able to write it down on index cards so I have it handy.

[@suvivasqwibqwib4083]

8088888888888088808807898

[@pz6392]

Thank you for your great content

[@rehabhqofficial]

Thank you for watching! I hope it helps :)

[@contactcpl5729]

thank doctor

[@neelamsharma2196]

Great videos from you . Never came across such an expert therapist . Following all the exercises and find them very helpful . Want to see you . Is it possible ? I’m in Canada Toronto .

[@adewaleadetunji4982]

This is very helpful cause i have primary progressive MS

[@Simon_Aesthetic]

really helpful .

[@markreynolds3850]

Thanks for sharing this video, interesting and informative. God information.

[@robinnadile5164]

Well said ; I’m almost gonna start work after all my exercises

[@nainaihuang]

Thanks, It is what I need. God bless. you

[@rehabhqofficial]

Thank you for watching. I hope it helps you!

[@reneespooner8262]

I'm new too all of this and I enjoy your video s I have learned so much from your video s, I have Ataxia but I try everyday and exercise and ride my Stationary bike, thank you for everything ❤

[@farhadfatah81]

Welcome back I miss you to much sincerely physio farhad

[@carolinemoore2489]

Due to start new job as a physiotherapist in neuro outpatients, currently in MSK , so this is amazing revision for me , so clear and precise keep up the awesome work

[@rehabhqofficial]

I tell students (who's experience is"ortho heavy") to use everything you know about "normal joint movement", muscle OINA, feedback, and practice schedules when assessing and when building the treatment plan. As you implement (and your hands are on the patient), you will gain greater insight on "abnormal muscle firing", spastic patterns...etc. Then go back to the drawing board with the same knowledge base (listed above). I hope that helps. Also if your clinic is stroke/TBI heavy, I recommend NDT cert/Neuro-IFRAH cert, and PNF courses through the institute of physical art

[@rehabhqofficial]

Also, keep in mind, your goal is just to "normalize" movement patterns. Something you already are doing on a daily basis :)

[@poojahm120]

Good day , thank you so much for sharing the above . I have seen many videos of yours. Followed the exercises advised by you . I see that you put your heart and soul to both explain the reason for the problem we face . Also , you suggest how you to correct the same. A standing ovation for you .

[@drphilphy]

Please can you compile all of your exercises demonstrated into a single video? The leg exercises in this video are excellent thanks Tara!!

[@aureliooruajr7936]

Thank u so much😘

[@bodcare1332]

Attitude and desire.. is a powerful duo. Coupled with discipline and innovative things to keep at the sessions and make enjoyable. My stroke 2 years now. I like your leg bending ideas. My hamstrings have seemed week or the brain connection with them. I now have some movement there laying flat stomach down on the floor which I can now bring up partially without scrunching up my trunk in the effort to do so. chip chip. I have noticed that when standing up that my affected ankle tends to want to partially collapse towards the other one. It's getting the advice not found anything too give the ankle that kind of support. I worked in the fitness industry for many years and used to be a competitive athlete so stroke has been quite confronting. One good thing is I feel in part, in tune with various body parts so that helps. Sorry for the length, I just also wanted to say how much I have really appreciate your videos and your constructive input over the last couple of years and thank God that you exist. Keep smiling. Anthony

[@rehabhqofficial]

Hi Anthony! Thank you for watching and for sharing your story! You offer a TON of hope to others in this community. Hard work definitely pays off. Again, I am so grateful for your willingness to share your story and offer hopeful words to others in this community. Keep going! Hard working ALWAYS pays off.

[@secretariatgirl4249]

step downs...is the problem leg on the step or the one stepping off? I'm pretty sure it's the bad leg because of the yellow stripe... I can't go down stairs because of my "stiff leg" so this is something I need to practice! My PT has already gotten my weak leg NOT swinging out already, but the leg is still 'locked." The summary at the end of all three exerices is so great, THANKS!!! And the BEST thing of all is how you mentioned how you have to bend the knee BEFORE bringing the leg forward!!!! Isolating these movement is SO helpful!!!

[@ramirocanete-eq4bs]

I Hava circumduction and it's kinda hard to walk coz I can't bend the knee. Bending the knee backwards are so hard to do for me. This video really helps a lot. Thanks doc

[@MK-fi6mh]

Thank youuuuuu

[@harimdh]

Thanks a ton!

[@rehabhqofficial]

Thanks for watching! I hope it helps :)

[@harimdh]

@@rehabhqofficial yes! Could you please tell me if I can swing my arms before strengthening my core and fixing hemiplegia? It will help me big-time, thanks so much for all your help

[@adewaleadetunji4982]

Need more videos about Neuroplasty

[@eliasdavidreyes8611]

Cool animations

[@nwakalormichelle1130]

Thanks so much Dr. pls what can be done to toes of the affected leg that keep clawing. I'm having difficulty with this

[@hectorscott6755]

You are the best! My wife had a stroke 11 months ago, and she is doing really good with her walking, but her walking pattern looks weird, and I have been trying to figure out what the issue is, and after watching this video I know what it is, she is bringing her thigh forward before completing the bending of the knee. Thanks !

[@MR..181]

Incorrect paterns bring latter pain...?

[@MoniqueShaq22]

Another great video. I finally have time to start catching up. The knee going out to the side. Is there a video on why this happened is it because of spasticity in the thigh muscle, hip tightness issues? I’m not sure if you already did a video on this specific problem if so can you tell me which one to watch or rewatch so I can understand more about this particular problem. Thanks so much.

[@sharondashephard6934]

Thank you so much. #MS warrior

[@doodsydoodsy5370]

Thank you so well presented and explained going to change my mindset and really try these exercises watch out ms I'm coming for you 😤 I wont let you win without a fight

[@debbiesmith8806]

I had a stroke almost 4 years ago I was told I had dropped drop foot but just listening at you and send the exercises I just don't know which one that I have I I can lift my feet some but I do swing my leg out to the side I'm just going to do the exercise and see the outcome

[@AshokKumar-qp4ks]

Thank u

[@rehabhqofficial]

Thanks for watching! It is my pleasure. :) I hope it helps!!

[@trevorstudden6730]

Right on

[@hannahbutler6040]

This video and information is outstanding! I have MS and am currently recovering from a stem cell transplant. Since the treatment my spasticity has heightened greatly in my right leg and I am absolutely circumventing more than not. Question, I have always thought I have foot drop and spasticity...but after watching your videos am I correct that I don’t have both and it’s only spasticity? Or can one have both? Also, your last point on mindset is something I absolutely agree with, thanks for mentioning it!

[@leolife79]

Star💝💝💝 thank you so much for the Video

[@karindella]

Perfect for my problem, spastic foot and knee that won't bend. Ordering the belts and the stool. What has helped me bend my leg is having Russian Stim on my hamstrings and glutes while i'l lying facedown has been huge.

[@suinguebom]

Step down with the problem/stiff leg? On the video you have tape on the other leg. Thanks so much

[@devisundari6136]

This content help me very much, but it will better if you add subtitle on every video, thank you 😊

[@kiesprason100]

I suffered a serious brain injury in 2006 that whilst i was within coma, left specialists saying i may never walk again if regained conciousness. I fortunately did wake just had alot of rehabilitation and physiopherapy to try in stimulating leg movements and balance with the TBI physically effecting mainly the lock and unlocking of my right knee. I did used to swing my one leg around in motion of how i did walk following and wasn’t helped further by having an allignment cage on my lower left leg which left me having to swing my one leg around the cage to walk as best i could. I have been signed off from physio in them saying the only healer now if any would be time, and have found myself someone stumped in not knowing how to help with my right knee struggling to release in least a slightly smoother movement whilst it has moments where forcefully it snaps itself back locking if i try to increase movements in either walking or if i tried to jog (which i find so hard through nerves of judgementalness of others in modern society). What should i do or where to start i am unsure of in all honesty whilst i’m 15 years down the line from TBI happening and wish i knew what is or where to start in trying to bring myself forward for both my own and my 2 baby sons future benefits. From what have seen your videos look amazing and i am more than glad in finding them by sheer chance only today whilst i could only wish i had found them sooner. Thanks all same

[@markreynolds3850]

Dear Dr. Tobias, thanks for the good information, I have another problem with right leg that is also related to my stroke . Before my stroke I had a accident and injured my back due to lower lumbar strain about forty years ago . That injury has now turned into spinal stenosis where my right thigh is numb all the time. I have weakness in the thigh muscle there. I understand my injury is related to the vertebrae in my spine that area . What would be the best way to achieve proper walking without my foot turning to the right as I move forward in my walking. Boy hope I explain that so you could understand what’s going on.

[@ccd1449]

like, like, like .... and love. Thank you Dr

[@malcolmchappell8180]

I have spinalcord disectemy 3,4,5 have been focusing on stride slowly on treadmill I will do whatever it takes to improve my walking thanks for any information to help more stability

[@ontgal7777]

I had a stroke! Thank you 😊

[@ericsalinas1839]

What would be more required for gait, foot dorsiflexion or plantarflexion? Wearing shoes with heels automatically plantar flexes the foot. If you dorsi flex your foot then you drag the heel of your shoe on the ground.

[@bowang112]

This is exactly what I'm looking for! Thank you, doctor! My sister walks with the involved leg turning a little outward while tilting her body to the uninvolved side. She then awkwardly bends her knee in the air and steps on the floor. Now I know what her problem is. I do have some questions that I hope you can help me with: the involved side of her hip bone (the outermost tip part, if you know what I mean) obviously sticks out; if pushed to place (toward the uninvolved side), her involved knee would bend compulsively, and her foot with varus would turn inward, and then she loses balance. To put it another way, she can't stand with the hip bone in place. What do you think of the cause and what exercise can treat the problem? I do notice whenever she needs to lift the involved leg, she starts pulling the waist area on the uninvolved side to help her lift the involved leg. I can't associate this with the hip bone issue but maybe you see it differently?

[@Tiare619]

This is my right leg. Spasticity. I used to only have what I think is PKD movement disorder until very recently.😢

[@tashirose699]

Thanks so much for your videos, knowledge, and exercises. All of this is very encouraging! Can you share some insight on the "right basal ganglia" and any exercises or treatment? I have a small scar from an old stroke and now recently found a 1-2mm area in the basal ganglia on the right side of the brain and for the past 5 weeks I have had left side weakness with moderate loss of muscle control on my left side....(hand, arm, fingers, toes, ankle, foot, and leg) and I'm left-handed : \ ....any info you could share is greatly appreciated. Thank you : )

[@zarauato]

can you talk about mortons neuroma and its relation with the hip?

[@winnieklin]

Thank you so much for your videos, you really give me hope that I can get better I wear an AFO, would I be able to stretch my ankle on the wedge? I do have an articulated AFO, but it feels like I can’t move my ankle much. It gives me the freedom to walk around, but also feels like My ankle isn’t getting the exercise it needs to get stronger.

[@rubyfinau5244]

Thanks for yourvideos so you really gives me more hope only thing is i dont walk bymyself still on cratches how willi walk by myself withoutcratches

[@mrtangsoodo1]

Hi Dr. Tara.......Quick Question? When I'm sitting in a chair can I cross my stroke effected leg over my strong leg to help turn my hip inward and to help correct any circumduction while trying to walk normally again?

[@bernadettekoch6833]

This is the main problem.I am having sooo much trouble with this. I am being very careful going through these videos and saw this for the first time today

[@rehabhqofficial]

Yes Bonnie! I love that you are being careful and staying dedicated to your exercises. I know you can do this. Keep at it!!! "do the best you can until you know better. Than when you know better, do better"......-guess who is the originator of this quote ;)

[@razvanmoldovan7280]

Hello, my question regarding the resistance band with belt: is it suitable also for activation of plegic knee flexors? Thank you

[@nolanvraagom568]

Thank you useful for me problem with my leg starts walking

[@rehabhqofficial]

Thanks for watching! I hope it helps.

[@leonardopanes6075]

please post the link for bungee cord and the blue wrap thank you.

[@scottbertrand5544]

I swing a little when I jog but really notice it when walking down steps. It feels like a tight knee but could be the quad? Are the box exercises best for this? I do the box exercises but do them kneeling down on foam pads but it's very difficult not hiking. The higher I raise the foam the easier.

[@Courage10.18]

Game CHANGER!!!

[@rehabhqofficial]

Yay! I hope it helps :)

[@liahl2710]

I can’t find the links to the products you recommended. Videos show the arrow pointing down but the links are not available

[@kathykups7962]

I had a right MCA 2018 what to do for sensation back in fingers hand is moving well no sensation

[@virginiamilliner6889]

Could you please make a video for someone that cannot lift their affected leg (hip flexor) doesn’t work.