Gait Analysis & Custom Insoles

Gait Analysis with 3D Imaging & Custom Insoles

Understanding how you walk and how your feet move can provide valuable information when investigating foot, ankle, knee, hip, or lower-limb problems.

At The Dene Podiatry, our gait analysis combines a detailed clinical assessment with 3D imaging technology to help us understand how your feet and lower limbs function during walking and everyday activity.

Where appropriate, this information can also be used to help design custom-made insoles specifically for your feet and individual needs.

What Is Gait Analysis?

Gait analysis is an assessment of how you walk and how your body moves.

Your podiatrist will observe your walking pattern and assess factors such as:

• How your feet interact with the ground
• How your joints move
• How pressure and load are distributed
• Foot posture and alignment
• How your lower limbs move during walking
• Whether certain movement patterns may be contributing to your symptoms

Depending on your individual needs, we may assess you walking barefoot and in your usual footwear.

What Does the 3D Imaging Involve?

Our 3D imaging system captures detailed information about the shape, position, and structure of your feet.

This creates a detailed digital representation that can support both assessment and, where appropriate, the design of custom insoles.

The process is:

• Quick
• Non-invasive
• Painless
• Radiation-free
• Needle-free

This technology allows us to gather highly detailed information about your feet without the need for traditional moulding methods.

Custom-Made Insoles Designed for You

If your assessment indicates that insoles may benefit you, we can use information gathered from your:

• Clinical assessment
• Gait analysis
• 3D foot scan
• Symptoms
• Activity levels
• Footwear
• Treatment goals

to help create a personalised insole solution.

Rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach, custom insoles are designed around the individual shape and requirements of your feet.

What Can Custom Insoles Help With?

Where clinically appropriate, custom insoles may be recommended to help:

• Improve foot function
• Redistribute pressure
• Provide additional support
• Improve comfort
• Assist with alignment
• Reduce excessive loading in certain areas
• Support everyday walking, work, exercise, or sport

Your podiatrist will explain what the insoles are intended to achieve in your specific case.

Who May Benefit From Gait Analysis?

A detailed gait assessment may be useful if you experience:

• Foot or ankle pain
• Knee, hip, or lower-limb discomfort
• Recurrent injuries
• Running or sports-related problems
• Changes or concerns with your walking pattern
• Foot posture or alignment concerns
• Pain when standing for long periods
• Ongoing symptoms where previous treatment has not provided the expected result

It may also be suitable if you simply want a more detailed understanding of how your feet function and move.

What Happens During Your Appointment?

Your appointment may include several stages.

1. Clinical Assessment

We will discuss your symptoms, medical history, activity levels, footwear, and any previous injuries or treatments.

2. Foot and Lower-Limb Examination

Your podiatrist may assess:

• Joint movement
• Muscle strength
• Flexibility
• Foot posture
• Alignment
• Areas of tenderness or discomfort

3. Walking Assessment

You may be asked to walk so that your podiatrist can observe how your feet and lower limbs move.

4. 3D Foot Imaging

Where appropriate, your feet will be digitally scanned to create a detailed 3D representation.

5. Discussion of Findings

Once the assessment is complete, we will explain what we have found and discuss whether treatment, exercises, footwear changes, or custom insoles may be appropriate.

A Personalised Approach

Your gait and foot function are unique to you.

At The Dene Podiatry, we combine the information from your clinical assessment, gait analysis, and 3D imaging to develop a personalised understanding of your biomechanics.

If custom insoles are appropriate, your podiatrist will explain the available options and recommend the most suitable solution based on your needs.

What Happens After Your Assessment?

Following your assessment, we will discuss the recommended next steps.

These may include:

• Custom-made insoles
• Footwear advice
• Exercises
• Activity modification
• Further podiatry treatment
• Monitoring your symptoms over time

Our aim is to understand how your feet work, identify factors that may be contributing to your symptoms, and provide a management plan tailored to you.