How Gait Can Contribute to Foot Problems
Gait (the process of walking) and balance are intricate movements that are completely unique in each person. To work properly, they rely on other areas of the body to be working correctly. This includes the ears, eyes, brain and muscles. Problems with any of these areas can lead to difficulties walking, increase the risk of falling, injury and other foot problems.
Causes of Gait Problems
There are all manner of things that can cause short term changes in how we walk. These include:
- injury
- Trauma
- Inflammation
- Joint pain (such as from Arthritis)
- General pain
- Muscle weakness
- Muscle tightness
- Poor posture
- Fatigue (tiredness)
There are also a large number of medical conditions that also have an effect on our gait.
The first sign of something affecting your gait could include difficulty walking, loss of balance, a feeling of unsteadiness etc. Or it could be as a direct result of injury through sport.
Diagnosing and Treating Gait and Balance Problems
A Biomechanical assessment and Gait Analysis can provide a reliable picture of what your gait is like, as well as looking at underlying causes, the symptoms you’re experiencing and solutions to any issues or concerns.
For example, if you are more elderly and have been suffering with falls, treatment may include medical management with your Doctor by way of medication. It is also likely to involve some Physiotherapy and provision of insoles/orthoses by a Podiatrist to improve your foot function and subsequently your gait.
If you have concerns about your gait or foot problems in general, book an appointment for your Gait Analysis today!