Experiencing pain and discomfort while walking can be incredibly frustrating, especially when staying active is essential for your overall wellbeing. The NHS recommends walking for health, stating it as one of the easiest ways to get more active, lose weight and become healthier. However, if every step is painful, this goal becomes daunting and impacts your ability to enjoy life fully.
The Role of Your Feet in Overall Health
Your feet play a crucial role in keeping you mobile and supporting your entire body. Problems with your gait (your style of walking) can lead to foot pain and a host of other issues, including knee, hip, and lower back pain. Addressing these problems is vital for maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle.
Who Can Benefit from Gait Analysis?
Gait analysis is designed to assess your gait cycle, which includes the movements your lower limbs make from the moment your foot strikes the ground until it lifts off again. This analysis identifies any irregularities that can be corrected with a tailored treatment plan. Here are three groups who can significantly benefit from gait analysis:
- Individuals with Poor Posture or Physical Ailments: Those suffering from chronic pain or injuries.
- Athletes and Runners: People looking to enhance performance or recover from sports-related injuries.
- Children: Young individuals with conditions like flat feet or knock knees.
Even if you’re not currently experiencing pain, identifying potential issues with your gait can prevent future discomfort. Since everyone’s gait is unique and imperfect, everyone stands to benefit from a professional gait analysis by a podiatrist.
Advanced Technology for Accurate Diagnosis
Gait analysis goes beyond simply observing how you walk. It’s an in-depth biomechanical assessment using state-of-the-art technology. According to Podiatry Today, tools like pressure platforms provide a more effective diagnosis than visual assessment alone.
At Feet By Pody, we offer video-based gait analysis and the advanced GaitScan™ system. This technology generates computer images showing the pressure distribution across your feet, helping us diagnose and correct gait issues more accurately.
Identifying and Correcting Gait Problems
Gait analysis can reveal if you place excessive pressure on specific areas of your feet, whether they are pronated (too much pressure on the inside edge) or supinated (too much pressure on the outside edge). It also highlights misalignment in your feet and ankles and asymmetrical body movements.
The results from your gait analysis will guide us in improving your foot function and relieving pain. Custom-made orthotics, which are specially moulded to your feet, play a critical role in this process. These supports relieve pressure, provide necessary support, protect vulnerable areas, and ensure proper alignment of your feet and ankles. Orthotics can be designed to fit various types of shoes, including specific ones for activities like running.
Expert Gait Analysis in London
At Feet By Pody, our gait analysis and other podiatry services can be life-changing. With years of experience and a patient-focused approach, we aim to help you move more freely and eliminate pain while on the go.
For expert gait analysis and treatment from a London foot specialist, please call us on 0207 099 6657 or book an appointment online.