How Do You Spell STEPPAGE?

Pronunciation: [stˈɛpɪd͡ʒ] (IPA)

The word "steppage" is spelled with two p's because it is derived from the word "step". It is pronounced /ˈstɛpɪdʒ/, with the stress on the first syllable. "Steppage" is a medical term used to describe a gait abnormality, where the foot is lifted higher than normal to compensate for a weakness or paralysis of the muscles responsible for lifting the foot. This term is commonly used in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological conditions that affect the lower extremities.

STEPPAGE Meaning and Definition

1. Steppage is a medical condition characterized by a distinctive gait abnormality, which refers to the way a person walks. It is also known as foot drop or drop foot. Individuals with steppage have difficulty lifting the front part of their foot off the ground during walking, causing the toes to scrape against the floor or resulting in a high-stepping gait pattern.

   Steppage commonly occurs due to weakness or paralysis of the muscles that are responsible for dorsiflexion, which is the action of pulling the foot upwards towards the body. This weakness may be a result of various underlying causes, including nerve damage or injury, muscle disorders, spinal cord disorders, or certain neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis or peripheral neuropathy.

   The affected individuals often compensate for this foot drop by lifting their thigh higher than normal during each step. This exaggerated lifting of the leg allows the toes to clear the ground and prevents tripping or stumbling. Consequently, the gait pattern of someone with steppage appears as if they are marching or lifting their legs excessively while walking.

   Treatment for steppage focuses on addressing the underlying cause and managing the symptoms. This may involve physical therapy to strengthen the leg muscles, the use of assistive devices like braces or splints to support the foot, or surgical intervention in severe cases.

   In summary, steppage is an abnormal gait pattern characterized by difficulty in lifting the front part of the foot during walking. It is often caused by muscle weakness or paralysis and can be associated with various medical conditions.

2. The peculiar gait of sufferers from diabetic neuritis of the peroneal nerve and from tabes dorsalis; in consequence of this dorsal flexion of the foot is impossible, and the patient in walking is obliged to raise the foot very high in order to clear the ground with the drooping toes.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for STEPPAGE

• ateppage
• zteppage
• xteppage
• dteppage
• eteppage
• wteppage
• sreppage
• sfeppage
• sgeppage
• syeppage
• s6eppage
• s5eppage
• stwppage
• stsppage
• stdppage
• strppage
• st4ppage
• st3ppage
• steopage
• stelpage

Etymology of STEPPAGE

The word "steppage" is derived from the verb "step", which ultimately comes from the Old English word "stæppan". "Steppage" specifically originated from the noun form of "step", which refers to the act of lifting and setting down one foot after another while walking, or otherwise making progress by taking steps.