Gait analysis

Incorrect roll-off of the foot or incorrect foot positioning can cause symptoms in the feet, knees, hips or back. Gait analysis is used to map the roll-off, positioning and gait pattern, so we can start targeted exercise therapy or make corrective orthotics.

For sports-related complaints, you can have an additional gait analysis performed. This is done at ourSports Medicine Centre.

• Consultation

For gait analysis, the physician will first see you in consultation to take a comprehensive history and to perform a clinical examination. You can make an appointment for this yourself or you can book an appointment after receiving a referral (from your GP or specialist). Also bring the shoes you tend to wear most often, as this can provide a lot of additional information. Without proper footwear, an orthotic cannot do its job.

We look for biomechanical factors during the clinical examination. We perform a basic examination of the back, pelvis, hips, knees and feet. Mobility, muscle strength and muscle length are also considered.

• Prescription

After the consultation, we will prepare the prescription for orthotics and may or may not decide to perform a gait analysis. If the problem is very obvious or if it is simply a question of new soles, then gait analysis does not need to be performed.

With gait analysis, there are two options, depending on the choice of soles: orthopaedic or podological support soles. Our department offers both.

• Orthopaedic orthotics are custom made by an orthopaedic technician and are reimbursed every two years if prescribed by a physical medicine or orthopaedics physician. The reimbursement is annual for those who are 18 years old or older.
• Podiatric orthotics are custom made by a podiatrist. Some health insurance companies provide reimbursement in this regard, so be sure to check.

If orthopaedic orthotics are chosen, the physician will take you to the rehabilitation room where he or she will work with the orthopaedic technician to perform the gait analysis.

If podiatric orthotics are chosen, the physician will make an appointment for you with the podiatrist at the Sports Medicine Centre. This may be done in case of sports-specific complaints or when there is need of a thorough gait analysis.

• Gait analysis
  

The physician accompanies you to the rehabilitation room.

The gait pattern sometimes differs when you start paying attention to it or when you are on a treadmill. That's why we first have you first take a few steps back and forth, so we can see the natural gait pattern. This is sometimes done barefoot, and sometimes with shoes on.

A pressure plate is then used to measure the pressure distribution at the foot level. This is done at rest, as well as while you are walking. We will ask you to step back and forth across the plate a few times to see the foot roll-off and the foot positioning.

Next, we look at the stepping pattern from the side and rear view on the treadmill. For rare, complex cases, we will record this with a camera so that it can be played back slowly to take any measurements that are needed.

Lastly, the orthopaedic technician will take your footprint.

Discussion

After the analysis, the physician discusses the results with the orthopaedic technician. The results will also be discussed with you. We will look at the type of orthotics and the material and then give you advice on the footwear to wear with the orthotics. We may also decide not to provide orthotics if we decide that they will not really address your symptoms.

Finally, in some cases we provide a prescription for physical therapy if additional functional stabilising exercises are required.

Price

For new orthotics with gait analysis, there is a consultation fee and a €30.00 charge for the gait analysis. For renewal of orthotics, we only charge for a consultation and do not perform a new gait analysis. Nothing is charged for revisions or problems.

Latest publication date: 16/05/2024