walking unevenly because one leg or foot is injured, painful, or weak.
From Old English 'lempan' (to limp), possibly related to Old Norse words meaning 'to hang loosely.' The origin suggests weakness or inability to function properly.
Professional athletes who limp after injuries demonstrate something fascinating: their brain's motor cortex actually 'remembers' their injury even after tissues heal, which is why physical therapy often focuses on retraining movement patterns.
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