What is Gait Analysis?
Gait analysis is a clinical term meaning the formal measurement and diagnostic evaluation of walking and running patterns. Clinic gait analysis starts with a clinical assessment of joint and muscles by specially trained clinician. Computerised gait analysis can be used by your clinician to understand the forces which transmit through your feet, leg and lower back as you walk, stand or run. Video gait analysis allows your clinician to watch and understand how your body moves as you walk or run. Our advanced software allows us to slow your movements down to help identify certain movements which may be triggering injuries or affecting running efficiency.
A goal of clinical gait analysis is to assist in treatment decision making for the person with complex and not easily understood walking or joint problems. The process involves measuring gait characteristics, identifying abnormalities and discussing potential treatments approaches. A gait analysis is undertaken with a biomechanical assessment to provide a full understanding of your presenting condition and evaluating the prescription of an appropriate treatment regime..
Will I need a bigger shoe?
Some shoes will not fit properly with an orthotic inside. These are usually dressy shoes with a shallow heel counter (i.e the rear part of the shoe that wraps around the heel). Women have more fitting problems than men, due to shoe fashion. You can find dress shoes that nicely fit an orthotic, but choices will be more limited. There are special dress shoe orthotics that fit more easily into fashionable shoes. Discuss with your clinician if these are suitable for you.
In most cases you do not have to start buying larger size shoes. In some cases you may remove the original insert from the shoe to allow for a better fit if your shoe feels too tight when you first place the orthotic in your shoe. It is recommended that if your shoes are old and worn down, you start off with your orthotics in a new pair of shoes.
Will I need special shoes?
No, there are many styles of shoes available, each with a different lasts, toe box size, shape and width. It is important that the orthotic does not slide around or stretch the materials of the shoes creating a poor fit in that particular shoe style. Our orthotics can be made in a variety of styles and sizes. They can be designed to fit into your fashion shoes or to fit into runners, casual shoes and even skates. One orthotic may not properly fit into all your shoes so you may want to consider getting two pairs of orthotics at the onset.
Will I need to wear orthotics all the time?
The longer you wear your custom orthotics the more benefit you will get out of them. If your daily activities vary to the extent that you change your footwear, then you should have a second pair of custom orthotics designed for that specific activity.
In most cases your clinician will recommended you wear your orthotics in gradually. Your specialist podiatrist will discuss an introduction schedule to help reduce adverse symptoms.
Wearing in time is not the same for everyone. Some people, in particularly children, find that they can wear their orthotics for longer periods during the break in phase, while others may experience discomfort if they push it too quickly.
Will the feet correct with orthotics?
Orthotics are more like glasses than braces. They correct your foot’s imperfections while you are wearing them. Once the orthotic is removed, your feet will go back to working their same old way. Prolonged use of an orthotic on a daily basis allows for the most benefit.
You have been walking a certain way all your life. This alignment has been putting strain on your body for a number of years. It will take time for the joints to realign and the muscles to start functioning the correct way. Your body needs time to adjust and heal. Everyone progresses at a different rate.
We notice that prescriptions can change over time. You should have your orthotics checked every year to ensure your orthotics have not lost their rigidity or your prescription has not changed. If you’re having an increase in symptoms they should be checked at that time.
Are special orthotics required for sports?
The basic principles of biomechanics relative to foot function apply equally to the foot in normal gait and in strenuous athletic activity. The prime consideration is to control abnormal foot function while allowing for maximum tolerance of the orthotic device during athletic activity. Since foot and leg position can vary widely in different sports, we have a number of sports orthotics which are designed to account for those differences. The differences are primarily through the use of different types of materials, posts, extensions and reinforcements.
The ultimate goal of every serious sports participant is to improve their performance and protect their health at the same time. By improving the biomechanical function of the feet and legs, the athlete should perform better with less fatigue and considerably less likelihood of damage or injury to their ankles, knees, legs and spine. Conditions such as chondromalacia of the knee, foot and ankle strain, shin splints, tendonitis and back strain may be avoided, reduced or eliminated with the use of specific Sport Foot Orthoses.
The level of clinical sophistication in sports biomechanics has grown to the point where Sport Orthotics can be created to individually meet the demands of specific sporting activities. To take advantage of these clinical advances, we utilise specific Sport Orthotics for each sport.
Different types of Sports Orthoses have different durability characteristics. Rigid Sport devices will last the longest, whereas semi-rigid/flexible Sport orthoses may require a repair or replacement in a shorter period of time. The athletes’ physical makeup, sport, speciality, speed, environment and other factors will also affect the durability of the orthoses. A Basketball devices could also be used for football and running, however a Golf orthosis should not be used for these activities as the control is insufficient. Similarly a Ski orthotic is designed to allow for some additional pronation however this would work poorly in Tennis, since the latter activity requires more control of Subtalar joint pronation.
Healthplus Gait Analysis offer specific orthotics for the following sports:
- Basketball
- Cycling
- Football
- Golf
- Marathon Running
- Rugby
- Skiing
- Sprinting
- Tennis
If you participate in a number of sports we have a general sports foot orthotic which may suit your lifestyle.
How long will orthotics last?
Many factors such as body type, physical activity level, and type of physical activity will influence the life of your orthotics. Generally 2-3 years is a normal life span of an orthotic of someone of regular body type, and physical activity who wears their orthotics every day. You should have your orthotics checked every year to ensure your orthotics have not lost their rigidity or your prescription has not changed.
If you’re having an increase in symptoms they should be checked at that time. In certain circumstances we may be able to recondition your orthotics, please contact Healthplus Gait Analysis on 0208 532 0559 for further information. Our fees for refurbishment and replacement are noted on our packages page.
If I want a second pair of orthotics will I have to pay the full amount?
Our orthotic laboratory stores your foot casts for a limited period of time. In most cases scans are made of the casts and stored indefinitely, however in some cases this cannot occur due to particular features of your feet. In these cases we will have to recast your feet to provide the information for the laboratory. We understand that this can sometimes be an inconvenience because you will need to re-attend the clinic for another appointment. As a thank you to you as a returning customer we will not charge for a recasting fee if you require a second pair of orthotics within 6 months of the prescription of your first pair.
If you require a second pair of orthotics after more than six months we will need to perform a re-evaluation because your prescription may have changed. This is the same as visiting the optician for a check-up every year. As a thank you to you as a returning customer we only make a minimal additional charge beyond that of the orthotic as noted on the packages page. In certain circumstance we run promotional offers which are worth looking at for returning customers.
I have already tried off the shelf orthotics that did not help so how do I know custom orthotics will help?
Successful prescription of foot orthotics require an experienced clinician with specific training and clinical experience. This is combined with a qualified laboratory technicians skills and advanced material technology. Physical therapy and/or at home stretching and strengthening exercises, as well as shoe fitting advice are common parts of successful orthotic therapy.
When you purchase off the shelf orthotics you often do so without any guidance from an experienced clinician and without specific training. This can lead to a large variance in results. Sometimes a problem which could be easily resolved with a custom orthotic prescribed by an experienced technician, can actually become worse by buying the wrong off the self orthotic.
At Healthplus Gait Analysis we liken the difference between off the shelf orthotics and custom foot orthotics to glasses. Imagine going out and buying a pair of glasses without having an eye examination and then choosing your own prescription. There is no difference in doing this to buying an off the shelf orthotic. As with your eyes we prefer you to see a clinician, get your prescription and then get your glasses or orthotics.
In answer to the question, it is always worth coming in to be assessed with our standard package even if off the shelf orthotics did not work. Our clinicians will never recommend orthotics unless you definitely need them!
If my orthotics work well in my trainers and I require orthotics for fashion shoes can you provide a suitable device?
The time between having a gait analysis and the prescription of orthotics is extremely important in providing the correct prescription. Healthplus Gait Analysis has a policy of re-evaluating patients before having new orthotics if the gait analysis or biomechanical assessment has been conducted with an interval of more than six months. When there has been a gap between assessment and prescription our clinicians will in certain circumstances carry out some further tests to determine whether a full evaluation is required and this will require a further appointment.
Our orthotic laboratory stores your foot casts for a limited period of time. In most cases scans are made of the casts and stored indefinitely, however in some cases this cannot occur due to particular features of your feet. In these cases we will have to recast your feet to provide the information for the laboratory. We understand that this can sometimes be an inconvenience because you will need to re-attend the clinic for another appointment. As a thank you to you as a returning customer we will not charge for a recasting fee if you require a second pair within 6 months of the prescription of your first pair.
Do orthotics just support my feet?
Orthotics work on feet much likes glasses work on eyes. The stress and strain on your body is reduced by bringing the feet into proper alignment. Orthotics support the feet but more importantly restore balance and alignment of the entire body.
Expert made orthotics are custom moulded to the exact dimensions of your feet to help restore normal balance and alignment of your body by gently correcting foot abnormalities. Custom orthotics fit into your shoes as comfortably as an insole but have the advantage of having been made from precise imprint of your feet.
When your foot posture is incorrect the entire body structure is incorrect. Biomechanical problems can increase stresses within the foot structures and the surrounding soft tissues, creating localised pain in the feet, ankles and also problems in the lower limbs, knees, hips and back.
Foot orthotics allow the muscles, tendons and bones of the feet and lower legs to function at their highest potential by correcting misalignment. When appropriately prescribed, these orthotics can decrease pain and increase stability in an unstable joint, along with preventing potential progression or development of a deformity.
Will an off the shelf orthotic or insole do the same?
Insoles generally offer some degree of palliative cushioning without offering any correction in the foot alignment that you would find in an orthotic.
‘Insole’ covers a range of products including a flat shoe lining included in the manufacturing process of a shoe, to the more contoured foot beds commonly seen in most styles of running shoes and safety boots. Insoles can be cut out from various density materials and fitted to a shoe in order to assist in shock absorption.
An orthotic is designed to exert some level of control or correction to the foot and provides a more targeted, longer lasting adjustment to the alignment of the foot.
Do you take impressions to make an orthotic?
Expert made orthotics are custom moulded to the exact dimensions of your feet to help restore normal balance and alignment of your body by gently correcting foot abnormalities.
There are four main methods used to obtain the exact dimensions of your feet:
- Plaster Cast
- Box Cast
- Slipper Sock Cast
- 3D Foot Scanning
Each clinician will have a standard preference but may use one technique over another depending on the complexity of the case and presentation.
Healthplus Gait Analysis use 3D foot scanning but may on occasion use casting or box casts. Each custom orthotic is made by hand and inspected during every stage of the manufacturing process. It’s not just the Healthplus Gait Analysis technologies that make a superior product, it’s the commitment each team member puts into the final product – that’s what sets Healthplus Gait Analysis apart
What is a Biomechanical Assessment?
A biomechanical assessment is an investigation of lower limb function. The biomechanics assessment or biomechanics examination is not focused simply upon the foot but will include the lower back, pelvis, hips, knees, ankles and feet. It is important to examine the lower limbs as a whole because they are closely connected with pain in one area potentially causing weakness or structural problem in another area.
Our bodies are complex instruments, and when one small factor is out of line, it can cause injury and pain throughout the entire body. In order to prevent those reoccurring, nagging injuries from resurfacing, it is important to ensure your body mechanics are in proper order.
If I have a gait analysis will I definitely need an orthotic?
Not everyone who has a gait analysis and a biomechanical assessment require a set of orthotics in the same way someone who has an eye test doesn’t always need glasses.
Healthplus Clinics Gait Analysis is an ethical company who believe in transparent pricing and clinical necessity. A standard package is only be offered at the outset of treatment in order to determine whether orthotics are required. In a number of occasions orthotics are not necessary. In such cases our clinicians will make suggestions as to their advised treatment plan.
Orthopaedic and spinal consultants utilize the skills of our clinicians in conducting a gait analysis and a biomechanical assessment prior to embarking in surgical procedures. On occasion a consultant will also ask for a further assessment once a surgical procedure has been completed. Professional and amateur sports clubs request gait analysis and biomechanical assessments to understand technique, rehabilitate injuries and improve performance.
What is an Orthotic?
Prescription orthotics look like insoles, but are biomechanical devices which are custom make to correct specific foot imbalances. Orthotics work on feet much likes glasses work on eyes. The stress and strain on your body is reduced by bringing the feet into proper alignment.
Expert made orthotics are custom moulded to the exact dimensions of your feet to help restore normal balance and alignment of your body by gently correcting foot abnormalities. Custom orthotics fit into your shoes as comfortably as an insole but have the advantage of having been made from precise imprint of your feet.
A custom orthotic is suitable for people of all ages and requirements. They are tailor made to your particular needs; thus meaning elite athletes through to the less mobile can benefit from the effects of having custom made orthotics. Children can also benefit from the extra level of support during their development.
My local running shop offers free gait analysis, whats the difference?
Running stores and shops offer free gait analysis when buying a pair of running shoes. We always promote you using this service as it works really well to help you choose the ideal running shoe based on your foot shape.
At Healthplus Gait Analysis we have a Five Point Promise which separates us from our competitors. Our clinicians have studied for a minimum of 4 years to analyse your gait and biomechanics and share our objective to be comprehensive, transparent and ethical.
We recognise that not everyone requires orthotics. Our clinicians will always advise you of the lowest cost option for your individual condition or injury. Our aftercare service means that we will provide help and assistance should this be necessary with sequential and periodic reviews.
What will happen during my first visit?
The standard package forms the initial stage of all packages and lasts for up to one hour. During the hour appointment our expert clinicians will complete a consultation in order to understand your problem. The clinician will perform a gait analysis, biomechanical, neurological, vascular and orthopaedic assessments before delivering an interpretation of their findings.
The standard package includes consultation and assessment of the foot and lower limb and forms a crucial part of all packages from Healthplus Gait Analysis.
Healthplus Gait Analysis is an ethical company who believe in transparent pricing and clinical necessity. A standard package is only be offered at the outset of treatment in order to determine whether orthotics are required. In a number of occasions orthotics are not necessary. In such cases our clinicians will make suggestions as to their advised treatment plan.
Not everyone who has a gait analysis and a biomechanical assessment require a set of orthotics in the same way someone who has an eye test doesn’t always need glasses. This is why Healthplus Gait Analysis will only book a new patient in for our standard package.
Will I need further assessments?
Healthplus Gait Analysis recommend that your orthotics are checked every year to ensure they have not lost their rigidity and that your prescription has not changed. If you’re having an increase in symptoms they should be checked at that time.
The checking of orthotics is very similar to periodically going to an optician to have your glasses and prescription checked. Healthplus Gait Analysis will send you a reminder letter every year on the anniversary of your prescription. If you are having any issues with your orthotics or an increase in symptoms please call us on 0800 043 7103.
How long will the appointments last?
The standard package includes consultation and assessment of the foot and lower limb and forms a crucial part of all packages from Healthplus Gait Analysis.
The standard package forms the initial stage of all packages and lasts for up to one hour. During the hour appointment our expert clinicians will complete a consultation in order to understand your problem. The clinician will perform a gait analysis, biomechanical, neurological, vascular and orthopaedic assessments before delivering an interpretation of their findings.
The enhanced package includes: casting, orthotic prescription, one pair of orthotics, treatment planning and recommendations.
There are two appointment for the enhanced package: the first lasting 60 minutes and the second lasting a further 30 minutes. The first appointment is used by your clinician to provide further information for a custom orthotic to be created in the laboratory. The clinician will also discuss an appropriate treatment programme aimed at reaching your treatment goals. The second appointment is a fitting appointment for your orthotic and involves a re-evaluation of your foot in your new orthotic.
The ultimate package includes in addition to the standard and enhanced package: a second pair of orthotics, a three and a six month follow up appointment, and three sessions of physical therapy.
Your three month follow up appointment will last 30 minutes and will re-evaluate your foot with and without your new orthotic. Physical Therapy appointments last for 30 minutes and aim to stretch and rehabilitate the muscles and joints in your lower limb.
How many appointments will I need for Orthotics?
Healthplus Gait Analysis always make an initial appointment for our Standard Package. The Standard Package is a comprehensive examination including gait analysis and biomechanical examination which lasts for one hour. After completing the Standard Package your clinician is able to understand in detail your which treatment methods are best suited for your problem. If your clinician decides that orthotics are potentially beneficial they will then offer you the option of the Enhanced or Ultimate Package. We will not sell you orthotics unless we believe they are likely to be beneficial.
The Enhanced Package and Ultimate Package include a minimum of two further appointments, one for measurements require for orthotic prescription lasting 30 minutes and the other for fitting and evaluation lasting 30 minutes. The Ultimate Package allows for a third appointment aimed at further evaluating the effectiveness of the device which is conducted after 3 months and lasts f0r 30 minutes.
To get a pair of orthotics from Healthplus Gait Analysis will take a minimum of 3 appointments with appointments in total lasting 2 hours. Healthplus Gait Analysis are able to fast track an orthotic order with our orthotic lab when the necessity arises however this will incur an additional fee.
What will happen during my appointments?
The standard package includes consultation and assessment of the foot and lower limb and forms a crucial part of all packages from Healthplus Gait Analysis.
The standard package forms the initial stage of all packages. During the appointment our expert clinicians will complete a consultation in order to understand your problem. The clinician will perform a gait analysis, biomechanical, neurological, vascular and orthopaedic assessments before delivering an interpretation of their findings.
The enhanced package includes: casting, orthotic prescription, one pair of orthotics, treatment planning and recommendations.
There are two appointment for the enhanced package: the first appointment is used by your clinician to provide further information for a custom orthotic to be created in the laboratory. The clinician will also discuss an appropriate treatment programme aimed at reaching your treatment goals. The second appointment is a fitting appointment for your orthotic and involves a re-evaluation of your foot in your new orthotic.
The ultimate package includes in addition to the standard and enhanced package: a second pair of orthotics, a three month and six month follow up appointment, and three sessions of physical therapy.
Your three and six month follow up appointments re-evaluate your foot with and without your new orthotic. Physical Therapy appointments aim to stretch and rehabilitate the muscles and joints in your lower limb.
I have had a gait analysis at another clinic, can you provide the orthotics?
At Healthplus Gait Analysis we pride ourselves on providing expert gait analysis and biomechanical assessments. The gait analysis and biomechanical assessments allow our clinicians to understand the static and dynamic qualities of your feet. This understanding allows our clinicians to prescribe an orthotic which is able to meet your requirements as a patient. Unfortunately when a patient has a gait analysis or biomechanical assessment at another clinic we are often unable to quantify all the measurements we require and do not have a complete data set.
Always remember the time between having a gait analysis and the prescription of orthotics is extremely important in providing the correct prescription. Healthplus Gait Analysis has a policy of re-evaluation patients before having new orthotics if the gait analysis or biomechanical assessment has been conducted with an interval of more than six months. When there has been a gap between assessment and prescription our clinicians will also carry out some further tests to determine whether a full evaluation is required.
Healthplus Gait Analysis always require a gait analysis and biomechanical assessment to be conducted at one of our clinics in order for one of our clinicians to prescribe an orthotic.
We regularly run offers at Healthplus Gait Analysis which provide substantial reductions in the assessment and prescription of orthotics.
Gait analysis is a clinical term meaning the formal measurement and diagnostic evaluation of walking and running patterns. Clinical gait analysis starts with a clinical assessment of joints and muscles by a specially trained clinician. Computerised gait analysis can be used by your clinician to understand the forces which transmit through your feet, leg and lower back as you walk, stand or run. Video gait analysis allows your clinician to watch and understand how your body moves as you walk or run. Our advanced software allows us to slow your movements down to help identify certain movements which may be triggering injuries or affecting running efficiency.
