Issue 2 - June 2004

Foot Biomechanics and Gait Analysis by Mark Saunders

gaitscan2.jpgThe foot forms part of the kinetic chain that exists throughout your body. Thus poor foot mechanics can lead to pain not only in your feet, but also in your knees, hips and back.

Structural or biomechanical problems in your feet can alter your running or walking pattern (gait).

The TOG Gaitscan™ System

Poor foot biomechanics can lead to a number of musculoskeletal problems e.g. shin splints, Achilles tendonitis, plantar fascitis, stress fractures, knee pain, ITB, back / hip pain and bunions.

The majority of overuse injuries will have a component caused by foot biomechanics.

At Physio4Life we carry out a 1hr biomechanical assessment which includes a video analysis of you walking or running, which can be slowed down to show abnormal movement at the foot, knee and hip. You will also walk across the gait scan plate, as you do this thousands of tiny sensors capture the distribution of pressure throughout the sole of your foot over time. From your step the computer then displays a 2-D and 3-D visual representation of the pressures under your feet.

The foot plate will highlight timing anomalies during the gait cycle and compare pressure distribution between each foot. With all this information, video analysis and a full biomechanical and musculoskeletal screening Physio4Life are able to decide whether orthotics would be beneficial for you.

The TOG GaitScan™ System In addition Physio4Life is able to give you a tailored rehabilitation programme with advice on return to activity or your chosen sport.

Continued on next page »

Page 5 of 11