Most individuals don’t worry about how they physically go from place to place unless they’re committed runners. Walking may appear to be one of the most basic human activities, but how we walk has a significant impact on our lives and health.

 

When you walk with an irregular gait, it puts stress and strain on parts of our lower body that weren’t built to handle it. This will result in painful injuries to our muscles, nerves, and skeletal system over time.

 

Foot pain could be the first sign of a much worse problem. These problems, however, can be resolved. However, your doctor or podiatrist must first gain a thorough understanding of your gait and how it affects your physical well-being.

 

A gait analysis is the most effective approach to do so.

 

What is a Gait Analysis, and how can it help you?

Gait analysis is a visual and technological analysis of a person’s walking style. It’s done in a medical setting, and technologies like force platforms and pressure plate systems may be used. To collect as much kinetic data as feasible, the facility may use motion capture equipment.

 

In a Gait and Posture Analysis, what Happens?

You’ll be expected to walk and even run in a regular manner. The medical practitioner will then diagnose abnormalities in the feet, ankles, legs, hips, back, and neck using a range of technologies, instruments, and their acute eye. A visual examination may also be used by practitioners to assess your posture.

 

Several different metrics will be used by the supervising medical expert during your gait and posture analysis. Although no two tests are alike, your gait analysis may include some of the following measurements.

 

Analysis of Footsteps

The practitioner will utilize a number of pressure-sensitive regions implanted in a mat on the floor to assess the precise positioning of every step to determine your particular walking pattern. When you run this data via a computer, you’ll get information on your walking speed, step time, and stride length.

 

Measurements of Force and Pressure

The amount of force and pressure applied by each foot is also measured by pressure-sensitive plates on the floor. This information is then transferred to a computer, which creates a three-dimensional image of the person’s gait.

 

Motion Analysis in Three Dimensions

Understanding the movement of your feet requires tracking the movement of your lower body. Special light-reflecting markers on your pelvis and legs are used in 3-D motion analysis.

 

A computer analyses the movement of the markers during the gait analysis, which shows how your body moves through space.

 

Measurements of Muscle Function

Electrodes are purposefully positioned to catch the muscle’s impulses during electromyography to see how well they’re operating (EMG). This can assist you figure out if you have any persistent muscular or nerve problems that are causing your foot pain.

 

Video in Slow Motion

Slow-motion cameras strategically positioned throughout the room capture per-minute movement, which may then be replayed to diagnose and identify problem areas.

 

After your gait analysis, what happens next?

Following your gait analysis, your doctor will explain why your body is in pain and what options you have to make walking and running simpler and less painful using objective data such as step duration, stride length, force, and weight distribution. They’ll work with you to figure out the best treatment plan for you, which may include physical therapy or custom orthotics to provide support and stability.

 

IDEASTEP Orthotics offers custom orthotics.

Check out IDEASTEP Orthotics if your doctor prescribes custom orthotics but you can’t afford them in person or through your chiropractor.

 

Our trained specialists create custom-moulded orthotics that can be used to remedy a range of gait and pronation concerns and deliver them right to your home.

 

There are various brands, options, and designs to select from whether you require bespoke orthotics for sporting activities and running, or just want a pair to wear in your everyday shoes to assist correct your stride and limit foot pain.