Gait testing to pinpoint pain and improve mobility

Gait analysis is a method used to determine the way your body moves and distributes the load and tension. During the analysis, limb and body movements are carefully observed to identify any imbalances in your run/walk pattern. This, in return, helps us to diagnose and treat various musculoskeletal issues, such as arthritis, foot pain, or knee injuries.

Pronation is the natural inward rolling motion of the foot as it makes contact with the ground while walking or running. This motion helps to distribute the force of impact and support the body’s weight. Excessive pronation or supination (outward rolling) can lead to imbalances in the body’s alignment and cause pain or discomfort in key areas of movement.

There are three main types of pronation: neutral pronation, over pronation, and under pronation.

Neutral pronation is the ideal foot movement where the foot rolls inward slightly to absorb shock and support the body’s weight.

Overpronation occurs when the foot rolls inward too much, putting excess stress on the arch and inner side of the foot. This can lead to issues such as plantar fasciitis or shin splints.

Underpronation (or supination) is when the foot doesn’t roll inward enough, causing the outer side of the foot to bear the brunt of the impact. This can lead to issues such as ankle sprains or IT band syndrome.

Gait analysis can be conducted using various methods, including visual observation, pressure mats, motion capture systems, or even wearable devices. You may be asked to walk or run on a treadmill or along a designated pathway while their movements are recorded.

During a Gait Analysis, our experts will observe and assess how you walk or run, looking for any issues in your gait pattern that may be causing your pain. They will also examine the alignment of your feet, ankles, knees, hips, and back to identify any issues that may be contributing to your discomfort.

The data collected during the analysis is then analysed by healthcare professionals to identify patterns or abnormalities that may be affecting your gait. Based on the results, recommendations for treatment or therapy may be provided to help improve your walking or running mechanics.

This may include treatments such as massage, mobilisation, shockwave therapy or prescribed orthotics.

Sessions at Hatt’s can take as long as 45mins. The overall treatment usually takes 3 appointments, alongside seeing a physiotherapist. However, this will depend on your specific condition.

Gait analysis can offer a number of benefits including:

• Reduced pain and discomfort
• Improved performance in sports or physical activities
• Increased mobility
• Prevention of future injuries
• Customised treatment plans based on individual needs
• Identify which type of running shoe is best for you (i.e. running shoe, walking boot, everyday footwear)

A gait analysis can provide valuable insights into how your body moves and help you make informed decisions about footwear, orthotics, training programs, and form adjustments to enhance your overall movement quality and reduce the risk of injuries.

This service also includes diagnostics service of the lower limb to help you identify the root of the pain.

If you are experiencing persistent pain in your feet, ankles, knees, hips, or lower back while walking or running, or if you have a recurring injury that is not getting better with rest, a gait analysis may be beneficial for you. It can also be helpful if you want to improve your performance in sports or prevent risk of injury in the future.

It is recommended to have a gait analysis done annually, especially if you are experiencing ongoing pain or discomfort while walking or running.

Your gait pattern can change over time due to factors such as injury, changes in activity level, or aging. By having regular gait analyses, you can monitor any changes in your movement patterns and address them before they lead to more serious issues.

Gait analysis is appropriate for all ages. However, different ages will have different reasons for visiting us, therefore goals and tests will vary. There can be gait alterations from as young as 3 years old (such as in-toeing), that can be solved if addressed early.

However, if a child is experiencing persistent pain or mobility issues, it may be necessary to consult with a healthcare provider to determine if gait analysis is appropriate.

If you are interested in scheduling a gait analysis or have any questions about the process, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our team of experienced healthcare professionals is here to assist you and provide the information you need.