Service
Gait Analysis and Pressure Analysis
At Soleus Podiatry, we believe in evidence-based care and the power of objective assessment to enhance patient outcomes. Gait Analysis and Pressure Analysis allows us to better see how you move and get to the bottom of the problem, rather than just treating the effects.
This technology can be used in two different ways:
- As part of a wider assessment of performance and function. At Soleus Podiatry, we are host to Matt Hart, Sports Podiatrist and Clinical Biomechanist, every other Tuesday. Matt specialises in sports injuries, using gait analysis, strength testing, and pressure analysis to generate advanced data-driven diagnostics, enhancing clinical decisions and patient outcomes. This objective data allows him to understand how you move, identify weaknesses and imbalances, and develop personalized treatment plans to enhance performance, prevent injuries, and relieve pain.
- To identify areas of high pressure that may need offloading and could be contributing to persistent corns or an increased risk of ulceration. All of our podiatrists are trained to use the Footscan pressure analysis system, which helps us build a personalised orthotic (insole) prescription designed to reduce excessive forces in problem areas.
For example, a persistent corn is usually the result of repeated pressure over time. By redistributing that pressure with a well-designed orthotic, we can often resolve the corn and prevent it from returning.
What is Gait Analysis?
Gait analysis is a detailed assessment of how you walk or run. By evaluating your movement patterns, foot posture, and weight distribution, we can detect biomechanical inefficiencies that may contribute to pain or injury. This is particularly useful for athletes, individuals with chronic foot or joint pain, and those recovering from injuries.
What is Footscan Pressure Analysis?
Footscan pressure analysis is a state-of-the-art system that measures pressure distribution across your feet as you stand, walk, or run. Using 8000 high-resolution pressure sensors, this non-invasive assessment provides a comprehensive and accurate insight into:
- Pressure hotspots and ulceration risk areas
- Identification of injury risk areas
- Asymmetries in gait
- Balance and stability, unilateral weaknesses
- Centre of pressure changes in a key movement eg squatting.
The Footscan system removes subjectivity from assessment and presents us with hard data. This means that we can accurately diagnose the underlying mechanical issues causing your pain and create the orthotic prescription, issue footwear guidance and tailor your treatment plan in the best way to get maximum results.
It is also a valuable tool in the reduction of high pressure areas that lead to diabetic ulceration, and in the prevention of falls.
Who Can Benefit from Gait & Footscan Analysis?
- Athletes looking to optimise movement and reduce injury risk Individuals with foot, knee, hip, or back pain
- People with diabetes or arthritis needing pressure offloading solutions
- People with neurological conditions or balance impairment