By examining your movement patterns, we can identify underlying issues that may be causing pain, discomfort, or poor posture, and provide tailored solutions to improve your overall foot health.
What Is Gait Analysis?
Gait analysis is a biomechanical assessment that evaluates how your feet, ankles, knees, and hips move when walking or running. This process helps identify abnormalities, muscle imbalances, or improper foot mechanics that could be contributing to pain or injury.
Who Can Benefit from Gait Analysis?
- Athletes & Runners – To improve performance and prevent injuries.
- People with Foot, Knee, or Back Pain – To determine if walking patterns are contributing to discomfort.
- Those with Flat Feet or High Arches – To assess the impact on overall posture and foot function.
- Diabetics – To prevent pressure-related foot complications.
- Anyone Considering Orthotics – To determine if custom insoles can help correct foot mechanics.
What to Expect During a Gait Analysis
Medical & Lifestyle History
We begin by discussing your symptoms, lifestyle, and any past injuries to understand how your gait may be affecting your daily life.
Visual & Digital Assessment
Our podiatrists will observe your walking or running style both visually and using advanced technology, such as:
- Foot Scanning
- Muscle Strength and Flexibility Testing
Identifying Gait Abnormalities
Some common gait issues include:
- Overpronation (Excessive Rolling Inward) – Often linked to flat feet and can contribute to knee pain and shin splints.
- Underpronation (Insufficient Rolling Inward) – Typically seen in people with high arches, increasing the risk of ankle injuries.
- Uneven Weight Distribution – May cause hip, knee, or lower back pain.
- Limping or Altered Stride – Could indicate muscle weakness or past injuries affecting movement.
Personalised Treatment Plan
Based on our findings, we’ll recommend strategies to improve your gait, such as:
- Custom Orthotics – Specially designed insoles to correct foot positioning.
- Footwear Recommendations – Guidance on the best shoes for your foot type and lifestyle.
- Strengthening & Stretching Exercises – To improve muscle function and joint stability.
- Physical Therapy or Rehabilitation Plans – For injury recovery or postural correction.