Gait Analysis and Orthotics

The physiotherapists at KSSP  have been utilising a computerised gait analysis system now for more than 5 years, as it accurately measures the foot biomechanics and aids the therapist in deciding on whether the underlying cause of your pain is from the feet or from the sacro-illiac, hip or knee joints.

By considering the timing of your gait as well as the pressure patterns, we have found that areas that may be contributing to your pain aren’t missed. Commonly, plantar fasciitis, Osgood Schlatters Disease, Patello-Femoral Pain and bursitis of the hip are conditions in which poor foot biomechanics may be strongly implicated in the symptoms. Low back pain which is resistant to sustained benefit of treatment or in which core stability progress is slower than expected is another typical example of where gait analysis can assist in identifying specific problem areas.

Once diagnosed, corrective therapy can commence. This may take the form of stretches, strengthening of weak or imbalanced muscle groups or corrective taping. In the event that orthotics are indicated a trial of taping will always be undertaken prior to prescription of an orthotic, as experience indicates that it is rare that the orthotic provides benefit where the taping has failed to alleviate symptoms.