Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon — Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI. Last updated April 2026.

What Your Walk Tells a Podiatrist

Human gait is a complex, coordinated sequence involving hundreds of muscle activations, 28 bones, and dozens of joints in each foot and ankle working in precise timing with the rest of the lower extremity and core. Abnormalities in this pattern — often subtle and invisible to the untrained eye — are frequently the root cause of foot pain, ankle instability, and lower limb overuse injuries. Gait analysis is the systematic evaluation of walking and running mechanics to identify these abnormalities and guide treatment.

At Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell and Bloomfield Township, Michigan, gait analysis is a standard component of our biomechanical evaluation for patients with foot pain, sports injuries, and orthotic prescriptions.

What Happens During Gait Analysis

A comprehensive podiatric gait analysis includes visual observation of walking and running from multiple angles (front, back, sides), static biomechanical assessment of foot posture and alignment in standing, assessment of ankle, subtalar, and midtarsal joint range of motion, muscle strength testing of tibialis posterior, peroneals, and intrinsic foot muscles, and when indicated, video gait analysis that allows slow-motion review and frame-by-frame assessment of specific gait events.

More advanced practices use pressure plate systems that measure plantar pressure distribution during walking, identifying specific overloaded areas under the foot that correspond to symptoms. This data directly informs custom orthotic prescription — the location of peak pressure tells the podiatrist where cushioning or offloading is most needed.

Common Abnormalities Identified by Gait Analysis

Overpronation (excessive inward rolling of the foot after heel strike) is the most commonly identified gait abnormality. It contributes to plantar fasciitis, posterior tibial tendinopathy, shin splints, and knee pain. Supination (rolling to the outer foot) is less common but associated with lateral ankle instability and iliotibial band syndrome. Antalgic gait (limping to avoid pain) develops secondary to painful conditions and creates compensatory stresses throughout the lower extremity chain. Toe-out walking (externally rotated foot position) stresses the medial ankle and arch. Asymmetric gait patterns often indicate leg length discrepancy or unilateral pathology.

How Gait Analysis Guides Treatment

Gait analysis findings directly shape treatment plans. A runner with overpronation contributing to medial tibial stress syndrome receives a custom orthotic with appropriate motion control and a physical therapy program targeting tibialis posterior strengthening. A patient with an antalgic gait from plantar fasciitis receives treatment targeting the primary condition to restore normal gait mechanics. An athlete with toe-out walking contributing to medial knee pain receives gait retraining alongside orthotic management.

Gait Analysis for Custom Orthotic Prescription

Custom orthotics are prescribed based on gait analysis findings and static biomechanical examination. The information gathered — foot type, pronation pattern, pressure distribution, muscle strength, joint mobility — directly determines the design specifications of the orthotic: material selection (flexible vs. rigid), arch height, rearfoot posting angle, metatarsal pad placement, and heel cushioning level. This individualization is what distinguishes a custom orthotic from an off-the-shelf insert and produces superior clinical outcomes for most patients.

Foot or Ankle Pain? We Can Help.

Balance Foot & Ankle — Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI

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How Your Walk Reveals Foot Problems: Professional Gait Analysis

Your gait pattern contains valuable diagnostic information. Dr. Tom Biernacki performs comprehensive gait analysis to identify biomechanical problems causing your pain and develops targeted corrections through orthotics, therapy, and footwear modifications.

Learn About Gait Analysis and Orthotics | Book Your Appointment | Call (810) 206-1402

Clinical References

1. Whittle MW. Gait analysis: an introduction. 5th ed. Butterworth-Heinemann. 2012.
2. Perry J, Burnfield JM. Gait analysis: normal and pathological function. 2nd ed. SLACK Incorporated. 2010.
3. Razeghi M, Batt ME. Foot type classification: a critical review of current methods. Gait and Posture. 2002;15(3):282-291.

Your Board-Certified Podiatrists

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

Board-Certified · FACFAS

Dr. Carl Jay, DPM

Board-Certified Podiatrist

Dr. Daria Gutkin, DPM

Podiatrist

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a double board-certified podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has reached over one million views.