Foot and Gait Analysis

• Do you have foot or leg problems?

• Do you suffer from heel or arch pain?

• Do your feet or toes look different (eg hammer toes)?

• Do you have calluses or bunions?

• Do you have to stand for prolonged periods?

• Do your legs, hips or knees ache?

The symptoms of poor foot mechanics can include any of the above, so you can help your physio by discussing any nagging foot, leg or back problems, and ask whether your feet could be part of the problem.

Your feet have a direct impact on the rest of your body. Like the foundations of a house, your feet support the weight of everything above them. When a small problem develops in your feet, a subtle change in the way you walk will cause a chain reaction of adjustments in your posture and walking mechanics.

These changes can put stress on joints higher up in your body and lead to more serious problems.

At LifeForce health solutions we can help you get to the bottom of your foot problem by using a variety of physiotherapy techniques including hands-on therapies such as mobilisations, electrotherapy or acupuncture to assist with pain relief, and prescription of exercises and stretches to address biomechanical dysfunctions. Our remedial massage therapists can also help with soft tissue release, reflexology or bowen therapy.

Because your foot is in contact with the ground for about 0.8 of a second when walking and about 0.25 seconds when running, it can be difficult for even the most experienced of practitioners to determine the extent of abnormal foot function with their naked eyes. A Gait Scan assessment can tell your physio a lot about your feet and helps them identify your foot type and analyse your walking pattern so that they can target their treatments and exercises more specifically.

The GaitScan system records your timing sequences during gait (walking) cycle as you walk or run across the pressure plate. This gives our physios a clear picture of your foot mechanics in order to determine the most appropriate treatment programme for you. Occasionally hands-on treatment and exercise will not resolve the condition entirely, especially when the problem is more advanced, in which case it may be necessary to fit orthotics.

Properly made orthotics are custom moulded to the support requirements of your feet. They help restore the normal balance and alignment of your body by gently correcting foot abnormalities. Orthotics gently reduce problems associated with pressure points, muscle strain and abnormal forces on the ankles, knees, hips and spine. Over time, custom orthotics support your feet and bring you relief from fatigue and pain allowing you to comfortably enjoy daily activities.