What Is Gait Analysis?
Gait analysis is a non-invasive diagnostic method for in-depth examination and assessment of the way we walk or run. This complex analysis is best carried out by qualified podiatrists, who use their training in human biomechanics for making accurate assessments of your movement. You don’t need a doctor’s referral to see one of our podiatrists at the Manly Foot Clinic for gait analysis, simply contact us to arrange an appointment.
What the analysis measures
Some typical biomechanical disorders we observe include:
- Excessive pronation
- Over supination
- Ankle instability
- Pelvic tilt
- Poor shock absorption
- Leg length discrepancies
- Unusual walking / running patterns
Who It Helps
Our podiatrists have a special interest in sports podiatry and find gait analysis a particularly useful tool for assessing running biomechanics. Some common foot and lower limb injuries include:
- Shin splints (lower leg pain)
- Plantar fasciitis (heel pain)
- Achilles tendonitis
- Ankle sprain
- Knee pain
- Stress fractures
Runners and active adults
A recurring running injury is the commonest reason for gait analysis: the injury is treated, and the pattern that produced it is corrected so it does not return.
Anyone being fitted for orthotics
Custom-made orthotics are best prescribed by qualified podiatrists following a thorough assessment and gait analysis.
What to Expect
Gait analysis is an assessment, so the four stages below run from observation to corrective treatment.
Assessment first
Your podiatrist takes a history of the injury and your training, then watches you walk and, where relevant, run, recording the pattern so it can be reviewed with you frame by frame.
The treatment
Once our podiatrists have assessed your walking or running pattern, they will then plan corrective treatment to iron out the biomechanical faults. Treatment may include: custom-made orthotics, footwear advice, strengthening and stretching exercises, and technique and training advice.
A short course
Corrective treatment is staged across consultations: orthotics are fitted and worn in, exercises are progressed, and training advice is adjusted as the injury settles.
Review and progress
A follow-up analysis checks whether the fault has corrected and the injury has resolved, and reports back to your referring practitioner where there is one.
Why Consider Gait Analysis at Manly Foot Clinic
- Carried out by podiatrists trained in human biomechanics, not by a shoe shop.
- Assessment, orthotic prescription from a 3D scan, and injection therapy for pain that has not settled are all in the one clinic.
- A special interest in sports podiatry across the team.
- No referral needed; simply contact the clinic to arrange an appointment.
Gait Analysis FAQs
You don’t need a doctor’s referral to see one of our podiatrists at the Manly Foot Clinic for gait analysis, simply contact us to arrange an appointment.
Some typical biomechanical disorders we observe include: excessive pronation, over supination, ankle instability, pelvic tilt, poor shock absorption, leg length discrepancies and unusual walking / running patterns.
Once our podiatrists have assessed your walking or running pattern, they will then plan corrective treatment to iron out the biomechanical faults. Treatment may include: custom-made orthotics, footwear advice, strengthening and stretching exercises, and technique and training advice.
Yes. Bring the shoes you train in and the shoes you wear most, and any orthoses or insoles you already use. Wear or bring shorts so your podiatrist can see your knees and ankles move.
Yes. A biomechanical assessment looks at how your feet, ankles and legs move through each stage of walking or running, and where that movement may be contributing to pain or injury. Your plan is built from what we find. Depending on the problem, it may combine targeted strengthening and stretching, taping or bracing, footwear changes and, where needed, orthoses.
Serving Manly and the Northern Beaches.
Manly Foot Clinic is at Shop 3/3 Corrie Rd, North Manly, NSW 2100, and assesses walking and running mechanics for patients from Manly, Dee Why, Brookvale, Freshwater and Balgowlah. Open Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:30pm and Saturday 8:00am to 2:00pm.