Do I need a gait analysis?

July 06, 2024

The way we walk and run can have a massive impact on our bodies and performance. If you experience pain or discomfort when you’re on the move, it may be time to consider getting a gait analysis, but what is it and do you need it?

What is gait analysis?

Gait analysis is a method used to study a person’s posture and how they move whilst walking or running. This can involve looking at various aspects of movement and how best to adjust them.

When it comes to walking, many of us may not give much thought to our gait – the way you move your bodies while walking/running. After all, walking is an instinctual movement that most of us have been doing since we were toddlers. But that doesn’t mean we’re moving at our best, which is where having your gait analysed can help.

At Hatt’s, we offer both gait analysis and running analysis to help you find the cause of your discomfort, working to improve your movement patterns or to recover from injury.

What can affect our movement?

It sounds simple, but there are many factors that can influence our movement patterns, such as:

  • Your foot posture and mobility -how your foot makes contact with the ground when walking or running can impact the rest of your body’s movement.
  • Your stride length (or cadence) – the length of your steps per minute (SPM), which can highlight good strides and over-striding.
  • Sound – You should be able to hear patterns in your footsteps when you walk or run. If you notice deviations, it could be an indication that something is off with your gait.
  • Footwear – the pair of shoes you wear can influence your wear pattern (patterns of wear and tear on the sole) which can show how your foot is striking the ground.
  • Your posture – how you hold yourself while walking or running can also impact movement. Thankfully, there are some easy ways to improve your posture.
  • Muscle imbalances – if certain muscles are weaker or tighter than others, this could affect how you move, potentially causing pain or injury.

What injuries require gait analysis?

Sports and running related injuries are the most common reasons for gait analysis, but it can also be used for treating and identifying conditions such as:

Why do I need gait analysis?

Through gait analysis, we can measure the movement of your limbs, joints, and muscles during movement to identify any issues that may be contributing to your discomfort. This can include issues related with overpronation (excessive inward rolling of the foot), supination (outward rolling of the foot), muscle imbalances, or poor biomechanics.

Gait analysis can be helpful if you:

  • Experience any pain when walking or running
  • Have had a previous injury that may have affected your gait
  • Are prone to ankle aches or sprains
  • Have foot, ankle, knee, hip, or back pain
  • Are interested in improving your posture and movement
  • Could benefit from personalised advice on footwear or orthotics

Once identified, we can look at treatment to help correct your specific issue, such as orthotic inserts, physical therapy, or changes in footwear. We can also look at ways to reduce a future risk of injury.

Physio showing how orthotic fits into shoe to patient

Who needs a gait analysis?

Lots of people can benefit from a gait analysis, including:

Athletes

Wearing incorrect footwear can lead to pain and issues in the feet, ankles, knees, hips, and lower back, especially for athletes. Because of the strain on from intense physical activity, athletes are at a higher risk of developing gait issues that can lead to injury. Through analysis, we can pinpoint the cause of your pain and whether you would be suited to a specific type of running shoe.

If you are a runner, we can provide running analysis to help you with your running style and technique or to recover from injury.

Adults

We are always putting strain on our bodies through daily activities, which can cause pain in key areas such as our feet, ankles, knees, hips, and back. A lot of people tend to ignore these pains, which can lead to prolonged issues. Simply changing your footwear can make a big difference in your overall movement.

Seniors

As we age, it’s only natural for our bodies to change, especially in the way we move. For seniors, a gait analysis can help identify any changes in movement patterns that may be contributing to pain or discomfort, as well as provide recommendations for mobility to reduce the risk of falls.

Children/teenagers

It’s common for young children to suffer from flat feet, as for some their arches do not develop correctly by the age of 6-8 years. While being constantly active, children can experience pain as their feet and legs grow, requiring gait analysis to identify any issues early on.

How does gait analysis work?

At Hatt’s, we understand that everyone is unique, and so are their movement patterns. That’s why our gait analysis service involves 5 key steps to help you understand and address any issues you may be experiencing.

First, we try to identify the root of your pain. Our team of experts will carefully observe your movement patterns, looking for any abnormalities or imbalances that may be contributing to your discomfort.

We then explore how these biomechanical issues are affecting your daily activities and overall quality of life. Taking into account factors such as your exercise routines, and footwear choices to gain a comprehensive understanding of your movement patterns.

Once we have determined the root cause of your pain, we provide you with a clear and accurate diagnosis. This may involve the use of advanced analysis tools, to locate specific areas of concern.

Upon diagnosis, we will tailor a personalised treatment plan which may include a combination of:

Support doesn’t just end there – we will also provide you with ongoing support from our expert team to accommodate any changes in your condition and ensure that you are on the right track to recovery.

Our gait analysis assessments (up to 45 mins) are £91, available at clinics in Devizes, Malbrough and From. You can book your assessment online, or if you have any questions, you can book by calling us on 01380 730473. We look forward to helping you to restored, pain-free movement.

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