A “high stepping” type of gait in which the leg is lifted high, the foot drops (appearing floppy), and the toes points downward, scraping the ground, when walking. Peroneal muscle atrophy or peroneal nerve injury, as with a spinal problem (such as spinal stenosis or herniated disc), can cause this type of gait.

What causes a high stepping gait?

Neuropathic gait (a.k.a. high-steppage gait) is caused by weakness of the muscles in the distal limb (typically the dorsiflexors of the foot) as a result of damage to the peripheral nerves providing motor innervation.

What causes scissor gait?

What's the Link Between Scissoring Gait and Cerebral Palsy? A scissoring gait is characterized by the knees and thighs pressed together or crossing each other while walking. It's caused by high muscle tone (spasticity) in the hip adductors. The hip adductors are the muscles responsible for bringing the thighs together.