If you’ve ever dealt with persistent foot, ankle, knee or even hip pain, your gait (the way you move) could be playing a big role.
At Umina Podiatry, we often see patients who are doing “all the right things”—stretching, strengthening, resting—but still not getting results. That’s where a biomechanical gait assessment can make a real difference.
What Is a Gait Assessment?
A gait assessment looks at how your body moves when you walk or run.
Everyone’s movement pattern is unique—like a fingerprint. But small inefficiencies or imbalances in that pattern can gradually lead to discomfort, overload, or injury.
By analysing your movement in detail, we can identify:
- Abnormal loading patterns
- Imbalances between limbs
- Poor alignment or control
- Inefficient running or walking mechanics
Why Your Gait Matters
When your movement isn’t optimal, your body compensates.
Over time, these compensations can contribute to:
- Heel pain (plantar fasciitis)
- Shin splints
- Achilles issues
- Knee pain
- Hip and lower back discomfort
A gait assessment helps uncover the root cause, not just treat the symptoms.
The Benefits of a Gait Assessment
1. Clear, objective insights
We use modern assessment techniques to understand how your body is functioning throughout your entire gait cycle.
2. Evidence-based recommendations
Everything we suggest is grounded in current research—so you’re not guessing what might work.
3. Individualised treatment
No two people move the same way, so your treatment plan is tailored specifically to you.
Improve Performance, Not Just Pain
Gait assessments aren’t just for injuries.
They’re also ideal if you want to:
- Run more efficiently
- Reduce fatigue
- Improve technique
- Lower your risk of future injuries
Whether you're a weekend walker or training for an event, small changes in movement can make a big difference.
Advanced Gait Analysis Technology
At Umina Podiatry we continually invest in the latest technology, to ensure our patients and athletes receive the most advanced care possible. Our Zebris treadmill provides insights into your stance and gait, including foot strike patterns, pressure distribution, timing and symmetry. This allows for more precise diagnosis and targeted treatment planning.
Movement is complex, and many issues with pain, mobility, or performance often stem from subtle patterns in how we move. Using this technology, we can break down these patterns in detail, giving us clear insights that guide more precise and effective treatment.
What Happens During an Assessment?
While each assessment is tailored, it generally includes:
- A discussion about your injury or goals
- Observation of walking and/or running
- Treadmill and video analysis
- Immediate feedback and recommendations
You’ll walk away with a clear understanding of:
- What’s happening
- Why it’s happening
- What to do next
Who Should Consider a Gait Assessment?
You don’t need to be an elite athlete.
It’s ideal for:
- Runners and active individuals
- People with recurring injuries
- Anyone with persistent foot or lower limb pain
- Those wanting to improve movement efficiency
The Goal: Move Better, Feel Better
The aim of a gait assessment is simple:
👉 Help improve movement efficiency
👉 Identify factors that may be contributing to your pain
👉 Support strategies to reduce the risk of future injuries
Because when every step works the way it should, everything feels easier.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’ve been dealing with ongoing pain or want to improve how you move, a gait assessment could be the missing link.
Or call our friendly staff on (02) 4342 2878
Where can healthy feet take you?
