By Adnan Nazir, Specialist Podiatrist at Central FootClinic
Central FootClinic utilises video gait analysis with specialist software designed to achieve the most accurate diagnosis of the way we walk and run.
The major focus of gait analysis is to measure the degree of pronation.
Pronation is the natural inward roll of the foot as the outside part of the heel strikes the ground. This roll acts as a shock absorber for the leg and body, optimally distributing the force of the impact of the heel hitting the ground.
- Overpronation is when the feet roll inward too much
- Underpronation (or supination) is where the feet don’t roll inward enough
Gait analysis matches the degree of pronation with the correct shoe/orthotic type, with the aims of counter-balancing over or underpronation, helping reduce the risk of injury and improving running efficiency.
WHAT IS VIDEO GAIT ANALYSIS?
It involves running or walking for a few minutes on a treadmill while a video is made of the runner’s feet. This footage is then slowed down and analysed in detail by a podiatrist who will explain the findings.
As well as helping runners to find the right orthotic through assessing the moment of the foot, video gait analysis also looks at the leg and body’s movement and efficiency to see if the analysis can help the runner further. By slowing the video down and viewing the different running stages in detail, podiatrists can help identify certain movements which may be triggering injuries or affecting running efficiency.
3D FOOT MAPPING
The most advanced version of video gait analysis is 3D foot mapping, which, in addition to video, uses both lasers and micro cameras to create a highly detailed 3D image of the foot.
A range of information obtained from the scan, such as arch height and the alignment of the
Achilles with the leg, is assessed to source the perfect orthotic and could even help runners get to the root of any recurrent injuries.
For more information about gait analysis, foot pain, its diagnosis, treatment and management, please visit the Central FootClinic website here
