Gait Analysis
We believe that the foundation of health begins with your feet and a gait analysis is a comprehensive examination that helps us understand how your feet and legs function during movement.
What is Gait Analysis?
Gait analysis involves observing and measuring the way you walk or run. This detailed evaluation allows our senior podiatrists to identify any abnormalities in your gait that may contribute to pain or discomfort. By assessing your foot mechanics, we can develop effective treatment plans to enhance your overall foot health.
Why is Gait Analysis Important?
Identifying Issues Early
Regular gait analysis can help us discover underlying problems before they worsen. By pinpointing issues like overpronation (where your foot rolls inwards excessively) or supination (where your foot rolls outwards excessively), we can address them proactively.
Customised Treatment Plans
The insights gained from gait analysis allow our senior podiatrists to create a tailored treatment plan that may include orthotics, physical therapy, or specific exercises aimed at improving your gait.
Prevention of Injuries
By improving your gait, we can help prevent future injuries. Proper biomechanics play a crucial role in your overall health, and our team is here to ensure you walk and run without pain.
Enhanced Performance
For athletes and active individuals, gait analysis can optimise performance. By identifying inefficiencies in your stride, we can help you run more smoothly, increasing your speed and endurance.
Our Accreditations
Your running gait analysis session is tailored to your individual needs and training goals:
Step 1: Understanding your injury history
We’ll discuss your running load, training plan, previous injuries, and footwear to get a complete picture of your running background.
Step 2: Gait analysis & biomechanical assessment
We’ll evaluate your:
– Posture & movement efficiency
– Hip, knee & ankle mechanics
– Foot strike pattern
Step 3: Design a personalised running plan
Our podiatrist will create a tailored plan that includes:
– Running technique modifications to improve efficiency & reduce injury risk
– Exercise recommendations to strengthen key muscle groups
– Footwear advice based on your biomechanics & running goals
– Training load adjustments to optimise progression & prevent setbacks
Step 4: Make changes to your running or walking routine
We’ll guide you through steady changes and improvements that enable you to continue your normal training or exercise without any setbacks.
Gait Analysis FAQs
Why is gait analysis important?
Gait analysis is crucial for diagnosing conditions that can lead to pain or injury. It helps podiatrists understand how your foot mechanics work, which can assist in developing personalised treatment plans to improve mobility and prevent further issues.
What can gait analysis detect?
Gait analysis can detect a range of issues such as flat feet, high arches, overpronation, and supination, as well as joint dysfunction or muscle imbalances that may contribute to pain, inflammation, or injury in the feet, knees, hips, and lower back.
Who should consider having a gait analysis?
Anyone experiencing foot or lower limb pain, athletes looking to improve performance, individuals recovering from injuries, and those with chronic conditions affecting mobility could greatly benefit from gait analysis.
How can gait analysis improve my footwear choices?
Gait analysis provides insights into your foot structure and biomechanics, helping podiatrists recommend suitable footwear. Proper shoes can alleviate pressure points and reduce the risk of injury, ensuring comfort and support during activities.
Is gait analysis suitable for children?
Yes, gait analysis is appropriate for children, especially those with developmental concerns or complaints related to walking. Early intervention can help manage issues that may affect their growth and mobility in the long run.