Footsmart Podiatry uses state of the art gait analysis software and equipment to provide advice on appropriate and proficient walking and running technique. Improving your gait can improve running efficiency, decrease injury potential and eliminate your foot pain.
What is Gait Analysis?
Gait analysis is the study of locomotion in the human body. In other words it is the analysis of how a person moves, specifically in there swing and stance phases. This information is used to identify the biomechanical abnormalities in a person’s pattern of walking. Meaning that gait analysis will identify any overactive or underactive muscles in the feet. Making changes that will improve your gait can lead to fixing and preventing potential injuries and inefficiencies in the future.
How will gait analysis help my feet?
After breaking down your gait frame-by-frame, your Footsmart podiatrist will be able to find the underlying cause of your foot pain. They then can apply this knowledge to any orthotics you have or may require. They will also use this information to find the best footwear for your foot and lifestyle. Changing your footwear and insoles are simple fixes that can be made to improve your gait and a quick way to alleviate foot pain.
What other problems can be helped by fixing your gait?
Hip and Back Pain
Dipping down at the hip whilst standing can lead to hip pain, bursitis at the hip and even pain in your upper and lower back. Therefore changing the way you stand can help lessen the pain you feel in your hips and back. Hip pain can also be caused by issues during the swing phase. You may find that your feet are not clearing the ground as you walk and you have to instead swing your leg wide. Your Footsmart podiatrist will be able to help find you the right footwear or assistive devises such as a walker to help combat this issue.
Fall Prevention
Gait analysis will be able to identify if you are fully supporting your weight when you walk. If you have had a stroke or neurological disorder it is common to not support your weight enough on one leg when taking a step. This issue can cause falls and potentially fractures which is why its important to fix your gait.
Another fall hazard that gait analysis will highlight is if you have foot drop. Foot drop is where you are unable to pull up your toes when placing your foot on the ground. It could also be that you are leaning too far forward or too far back on your heels which is causing your inefficient gait and therefore are at risk for a fall. Poor balance can also play a part and it may mean you need to start doing balance exercises or would benefit from a walking aid. Your Footsmart podiatrist will show you these exercises and also recommend the right walking aid for you.
If you have any questions about gait analysis,
go to our Contact Us page, or call us on 5441 4822
