What is Gait analysis & Biomechanics

Gait analysis is commonly used to help athletes run more efficiently and to identify posture-related or movement related problems in people with injuries, foot deformity or arthritis.

Biomechanics

Biomechanics study’s the mechanics of human performance to determine the internal (musculoskeletal) forces. It also study’s the mechanics of biological tissues in order to study the behaviour of the body’s bone, cartilage, tendons and body fluids.

If you suffer from problems with your ANKLES, KNEES, and HIPS or BACK, they could all relate to the biomechanical functioning of your feet.

Gait analysis and orthoses are also used to treat arthritic foot conditions.

This revolutionary computerised equipment produces comprehensive analysis for pressure and force, gait and balance. The footscan plates give biomechanical breakdowns of all areas under the foot and can even assess metatarsal (ball of foot) loading information as well as static (standing) and dynamic (moving) breakdowns.

With over 500 frames of data per second generated by the tiny sensors in the footscan plates, we can capture information not possible to see in barefoot mechanics. There is a built in database so that a patient’s progress can be assessed over time, and a 2D and 3D image screen to give early indications of any potential problem such as diabetic foot ulceration.

The collected data is analysed and the significant findings can be visually presented to the patient. A hard copy of the scan can be given to each patient for their perusal. A cast of the feet is taken and sent to the ‘lab’, and the resultant data can then be emailed to the ‘lab’ where the orthoses are manufactured to exact specifications.

Once the orthoses are fitted, if required, additional pressure measurements can be taken with the shoe and orthotic in situ, to show the patient the changes that are taking place due to the orthotic action.

This procedure is often covered by your medical insurance so check with your provider.

Sports injuries that may require gait analysis

Plantar Fasciitis
Spurs
Knee Pain
Shin Splints
Ankle Injuries
Joint pain in the feet
Iliotibial Band Syndrome
Leg Length Discrepancy
Achilles Tendon Injuries
Muscle Cramps
Chronic Leg Pain