Why a gait assessment might be the missing piece in your running or walking pain

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.

Book a Gait Analysis Today

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.