Understanding Your Unique Running Style
Gait assessments are a crucial tool for runners of all levels. Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or just starting your running journey, understanding your running style is key to selecting the right shoes and optimising your performance.
At The Foot Practice, our expert gait assessment and analysis focuses primarily on measuring pronation – the natural inward roll of your foot as it strikes the ground. This rolling motion serves as a shock absorber for your legs and body, distributing the impact force efficiently.
We identify three main pronation types:
- Neutral pronation: Optimal foot roll
- Overpronation: Excessive inward foot roll
- Underpronation (supination): Insufficient inward foot roll
Our goal is to match your pronation type with the ideal shoe, counterbalancing any over or underpronation to reduce injury risk and enhance running efficiency.
The Foot Practice’s Cutting-Edge 3D Infrared Gait Analysis
At The Foot Practice, we employ advanced 3D infrared technology coupled with a Rehawalk pressure sensor treadmill for unparalleled gait analysis precision. This state-of-the-art system goes far beyond traditional video analysis:
- 3D Infrared Mapping: Our infrared cameras capture your movement in three dimensions, providing a comprehensive view of your gait mechanics.
- Real-time Data Collection: The Rehawalk pressure sensor treadmill measures foot pressure distribution and force application with each step, offering instant, accurate feedback.
- Detailed Biomechanical Analysis: Our expert podiatrists analyse this wealth of data, examining not just foot movement but the intricate interplay of your entire lower body mechanics.
- Comprehensive Efficiency Assessment: By scrutinising each phase of your gait cycle in detail, we identify subtle inefficiencies that may be causing injuries or limiting your performance.
- Personalised Recommendations: Based on this in-depth analysis, we provide tailored advice on footwear, orthoses and targeted exercises to optimise your running form.
This advanced technology allows us to detect nuances in your gait that are invisible to the naked eye, ensuring you receive the most accurate and beneficial guidance for your running journey.
Beyond Pronation: What Else Can We Identify?
The Foot Practice’s gait analysis can reveal a range of issues, including:
- Cadence imbalances: Identifying if your stride length and frequency are optimal
- Heel strike patterns: Assessing potential injury risks from your foot landing
- Core strength deficits: Detecting if weak core muscles are affecting your hip, knee and ankle alignment
- Flexibility limitations: Identifying if tight hamstrings or calves are increasing your injury risk
Once identified, these issues can be addressed through targeted exercises, flexibility work, and proper shoe selection. Our expert team at The Foot Practice will guide you through personalised solutions for your ideal running shoe.
Why Choose Gait Analysis at The Foot Practice?
Gait analysis is crucial for understanding your body’s unique running mechanics. It helps reduce compensatory movements that can lead to strains on smaller stabilising muscles, potentially causing long-term injuries and inconsistent training.
For new runners, our gait analysis provides invaluable insights into your running style and areas for improvement. Experienced runners can also benefit, especially if they’re experiencing recurring injuries or looking to optimise their performance.
At The Foot Practice, our comprehensive gait analysis goes beyond basic assessments. Our expert podiatrists use advanced technology to provide detailed insights into your running biomechanics. We offer personalised advice on shoe selection, running form improvements, and injury prevention strategies.
While many athletic stores offer basic gait analysis, The Foot Practice provides a medical-grade assessment. Our analysis is part of a broader evaluation of your foot health and overall biomechanics, ensuring you receive the most accurate and beneficial advice for your running journey.
Visit The Foot Practice Today
The Foot Practice’s skilled sports podiatrists are ready to assist you with fittings, diagnostic services, pronation analysis, and pressure distribution assessments to help you find the perfect running shoes and optimise your running form. Contact The Foot Practice today to schedule your comprehensive gait analysis and take the first step towards improved running performance and reduced injury risk.
