If you are dealing with foot pain, knee discomfort, recurring injuries or difficulty when you walk or run, a gait analysis can help identify what is actually causing the problem.
What Is Gait Analysis?
Many people are unaware that small, repeated movement patterns can place excessive load on joints, muscles, and tendons over time. Over thousands of steps taken each day, these imbalances can contribute to problems such as heel pain, plantar fasciitis, shin splints, knee pain, hip discomfort, Achilles tendon issues, running injuries, and recurring lower limb pain.
Gait analysis is a detailed assessment of how you walk and run. It examines the movement and coordination of your feet, ankles, knees, hips, and the rest of the body through each phase of the step. By examining how you move, the podiatrists can identify factors that may be contributing to your symptoms and use this information to guide appropriate treatment recommendations.
Why Are Walking And Running Assessed Differently?
Walking and running place very different demands on the body, so the mechanics of one cannot simply be applied to the other. Walking includes a moment where both feet are on the ground at once, whereas running replaces it with a phase where both feet are off the ground and the forces passing through the lower limb rise sharply. Because of this, a pattern that looks better when you walk can still contribute to injury when you run, which is why we assess the activity most relevant to your symptoms
Who Can Benefit From A Gait Assessment?
Problems with walking or running mechanics can affect people of all ages and activity levels.Even minor biomechanical differences can add up to significant strain across a full day of movement. A gait assessment can help if you have foot or ankle pain, uneven wear across your shoes, recurring sporting injuries, or discomfort through the knees, hips, or lower back. It specifically helps identify the biomechanical contributors to a range of lower limb conditions including:
- Plantar fasciitis – Excessive foot pronation, limited ankle mobility, and altered walking patterns can place additional strain on the plantar fascia and contribute to heel pain.
- Achilles tendinopathy – Changes in foot and ankle mechanics can increase the load placed on the Achilles tendon during walking and running.
- Shin splints – Poor lower limb alignment and repetitive loading patterns can contribute to pain along the shin.
- Knee pain – Abnormal foot function often influences how the knee moves and absorbs load, which can contribute to discomfort at the front of the knee in particular.
- Recurring running injuries – Gait analysis can reveal inefficiencies in movement that contribute to injuries that keep returning despite rest.
It is also useful if you are recovering from an injury, returning to activity, increasing your training load, have balance or mobility concerns.
Why Choose AC Podiatry For Gait Analysis In Adelaide?
If you are looking for a gait assessment, it’s essential to work with professionals who understand the nuances of movement. A gait analysis at AC Podiatry goes beyond simply examining your feet. Our team of expert podiatrists analyse your gait cycle in depth, ensuring we understand how your body moves as a whole. With clinics conveniently located across the eastern suburbs of Adelaide, professional gait testing is easily accessible.
We help individuals who want to improve their running and walking, as well as those dealing with knee, leg or foot pain. Whether you are training for an event such as the City-Bay or want to prevent injuries, a thorough assessment provides the insight you need.
During your assessment, we look at the way your feet land while walking or running, the movement of your ankles, knees and hips, and your muscle strength and flexibility. We also identify the movement patterns that could be contributing to discomfort or injury, along with the areas where we can help you improve.
What To Expect During Your Assessment?
The initial consultation
We begin by discussing your symptoms, medical history, previous injuries, activity levels, sporting participation and footwear habits. Understanding this background helps us identify factors that may be contributing to your condition.
Assessment
We then perform a comprehensive physical examination that looks at joint range of motion, muscle function, posture, and overall movement patterns. This helps us create a personalised plan tailored to your specific needs. The assessment is comfortable and non-invasive, and bringing the footwear you wear most often provides us with additional useful information.
Interpreting Your Results
After your gait test, we will explain the findings in simple, understandable terms. We’ll guide you through your current movement patterns and discuss areas that may need attention. Together, we’ll develop specific strategies to help you move more efficiently which could include adjustments to your walking or running technique, strengthening exercises and footwear recommendations for better support.
Create A Tailored Treatment Plan
Based on the results of your gait analysis, we create a customised treatment plan if required.. This may involve custom orthotics to improve foot alignment, specific strengthening exercises, mobilisation for restricted joints or dry needling. For longstanding soft tissue injuries, shockwave therapy may also be appropriate. We also provide expert advice on running shoe selection, training tips, and injury prevention strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is gait testing used for?
Gait analysis is used to assess walking and running patterns and identify biomechanical factors that may contribute to pain, injury, or reduced performance, so that treatment can target the underlying cause.
How long does a gait analysis appointment take?
Appointment length varies with your needs, but a comprehensive assessment generally includes a consultation, a physical examination, and an analysis of your movement.
Is gait analysis only for runners?
No. While runners often use it to improve performance and prevent injury, gait analysis can benefit anyone experiencing foot, ankle, knee, hip, or lower back pain related to movement.
Can gait analysis help with plantar fasciitis?
Often, yes. Many cases of plantar fasciitis are influenced by foot mechanics, which can be evaluated during a gait assessment and addressed as part of your treatment plan.
Will I need orthotics after a gait analysis?
Not necessarily. Recommendations depend on your assessment findings and may involve exercises, footwear advice, orthotic therapy, or a combination of approaches.
Is gait analysis covered by private health insurance?
Cover varies with your provider and level of extras cover, so it is best to check directly with your insurer.
Do I need a referral, and where can I book?
No referral is needed. You can call us on (08) 8255 5575 or book online at any of our four Adelaide clinics: Adelaide CBD, Magill, Malvern, Oakden
Take The First Step Towards Pain Free Movement
If you’re ready to gain a deeper understanding of your movement, our Adelaide gait analysis service offers the thorough evaluation and practical solutions you need. We are here to help you move efficiently and stay injury-free.
For athletes, our gait analysis provides tailored benefits, helping to perfect your running technique, prevent injuries, and improve efficiency. Our goal is to keep you performing at your peak while minimising injury risks. Call us on (08) 8255 5575 or book an appointment online.
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Note: This information is for educational purposes. An individual assessment is required to determine the most appropriate management strategies for your situation. Consult a registered health professional for personalised advice.
