22 Jul Walk This Way: The Necessity of Gait Analysis in Podiatry
Have you ever wondered if you walk the right way? While there isn’t technically a correct way to walk, a gait analysis could provide insight into how your stride is causing foot pain.
In this article, we at Alta Ridge Foot Specialists will unpack what gait analysis is in detail, including how it’s an important step in treating various podiatric conditions.
How Gait Analysis Helps
By examining your walking pattern, a podiatrist can identify abnormalities that provide valuable insights into your overall foot and ankle health. This includes factors such as foot strike, pronation, supination, stride length, and balance.
Understanding these aspects helps pinpoint the underlying issues contributing to your pain or discomfort. With this knowledge, your podiatrist can develop effective treatment strategies, such as orthotics, physical therapy, or footwear modifications.
Conditions That May Require Gait Analysis
Numerous foot and ankle problems can benefit from gait analysis. Common conditions include flat feet, high arches, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, shin splints, knee pain, back pain, and bone disorders.
If you experience persistent foot or ankle discomfort, difficulty walking, or recurring injuries, a gait analysis could provide crucial insights into the root cause. Common patients for gait analysis include:
- Athletes: Gait analysis can help runners improve their form and identify posture-related or movement-related problems. It can also benefit athletes involved in field sports who have overuse injuries.
- Patients with abnormal gait patterns: Gait analysis can help develop treatment plans for those suffering from neuromuscular disorders such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, head injuries, and spinal cord injuries. It can also help patients with sciatic nerve injury, myelopathy, and other muscle diseases.
- Elderly patients: Gait analysis can help elderly patients who have experienced fall accidents.
- Surgery patients: Gait analysis can help evaluate the effects of surgical interventions, such as total hip arthroplasty and total knee replacement.
At Alta Ridge Foot Specialists, Dr. W. Aaron Broyles, Dr. Robert L. Van Brederode, Dr. Thomas Verla, and the rest of our staff at our Mars Hill, Spruce Pine, and Boone, NC, offices are ready to help ease your foot pain. Call us at one of our three locations today to schedule an appointment.