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What Is Gait Analysis and Why Does It Matter for Your Foot Health?

What Is Gait Analysis and Why Does It Matter for Your Foot Health?

March 10, 20254 min read

Let’s be honest—foot pain has a sneaky way of showing up at the worst possible times. One minute you’re out for a walk, or running errands, and the next you’re limping, aching, or wondering why your knees and back are suddenly bothering you too. Sound familiar?

If so, you’re not alone—and more importantly, you’re not without options.

One of the most effective tools we use at The Springfield Clinic to get to the bottom of foot, leg, or even back discomfort is something called gait analysis. And while the term might sound a little technical, the idea behind it is simple: it’s all about how you walk.

Let’s break it down.


What Is Gait Analysis?

Gait analysis is a detailed look at how your body moves when you walk or run. It’s not just about watching your feet—it’s about understanding the movement of your ankles, knees, hips, and even your posture.

When we carry out a gait assessment in the clinic, we’re looking at:

  • The way your feet strike the ground

  • How your arches behave during motion

  • Your ankle and knee alignment

  • Whether your feet roll inwards (overpronation) or outwards (supination)

  • How all of this might be affecting your comfort and mobility

These little details can reveal a lot. In fact, many recurring issues like plantar fasciitis, shin splints, bunions, heel pain, and even lower back discomfort can be linked to poor gait mechanics.


Why Does Gait Matter So Much?

You take thousands of steps a day. If each one is slightly off—even by a small amount—it adds up quickly. That misalignment or imbalance puts extra strain on your joints, muscles, and soft tissues.

Think of it like driving a car with a slightly misaligned wheel. It might not seem like a big issue at first, but over time, it causes uneven wear and tear—and it won’t be long before something feels ‘off’.

Gait analysis helps us catch these problems early. Rather than just treating the symptoms (like foot pain), we identify and address the root cause. That’s where long-term relief begins.


How Does the Assessment Work?

Here at The Springfield Clinic, gait analysis is a comfortable, relaxed process. There’s no pressure, no complicated machinery—just clear, expert observation backed by experience and, when needed, digital tools to map your movements.

We’ll start by asking about your symptoms, lifestyle, and any past injuries or concerns. Then we’ll watch how you walk—sometimes on a treadmill, sometimes across the room—and take note of your foot positioning, stride, and posture.

Sometimes we use video or pressure mapping technology to get a clearer picture of how your feet contact the ground. The more we know, the better we can help.


What Happens After Gait Analysis?

Once we’ve gathered the information, we’ll talk you through our findings in plain English. No jargon, no confusion. Just honest advice about what’s happening and what can be done to improve things.

In many cases, the next step is custom orthotics—tailor-made insoles designed to support your feet where they need it most. These can help correct imbalances, reduce pressure in painful areas, and realign your gait so walking feels natural again.

But it’s not always just about orthotics. Sometimes small changes in footwear, stretching routines, or strengthening exercises can make a huge difference. The goal is to get you back on your feet—comfortably and confidently.


Why Choose The Springfield Clinic?

We know how frustrating foot and lower limb pain can be. It can stop you doing the things you love and chip away at your confidence. But the good news? You don’t have to live with it.

At The Springfield Clinic, we’ve helped countless people just like you get to the bottom of their discomfort, and it all starts with understanding your gait. We take the time to listen, to explain, and to tailor a plan that’s right for you.

You’re not just a set of sore feet to us—you’re a whole person, and we’re here to help you move better, feel better, and live better.


Ready to Take the First Step?

If you’ve been struggling with ongoing aches, discomfort, or feel like something just isn’t quite right when you walk—don’t ignore it. Book a gait analysis with us and let’s find out what’s really going on.

Because every step should feel like a step forward.

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