| Gait Analysis Component | What Is Measured | Clinical Significance | Tool Used |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visual Gait Observation | Step width, stride symmetry, trunk sway, arm swing | Identifies antalgic, Trendelenburg, steppage patterns | Clinical observation, walkway |
| Video Slow-Motion (posterior) | Rearfoot valgus/varus, heel strike angle, pronation excursion | Quantifies overpronation, lateral loading | Slow-motion camera |
| Video Slow-Motion (lateral) | Foot-strike pattern, ankle dorsiflexion, knee flexion | Heel vs. midfoot vs. forefoot striker; equinus detection | Slow-motion camera |
| In-Shoe Pressure Mapping (pedobarography) | Peak pressure, pressure time integral, foot contact area | Identifies pressure hot spots (diabetic ulcer risk, Morton’s neuroma, sesamoiditis) | Pressure insole (Novel, Tekscan) |
| Static Biomechanical Exam | STJ neutral, rearfoot/forefoot alignment, Silfverskiold, ankle ROM | Determines orthotic prescription angles (posting) | Goniometer, foam cast |
| Limb Length Assessment | True vs. apparent leg length discrepancy | Diagnoses LLD contributing to back pain, hip pain, asymmetric gait | Tape measure + X-ray |
| Gait Finding | What It Means | Associated Injury Risk | Intervention |
|---|---|---|---|
| Excessive rearfoot valgus (>5°) | Overpronation — heel rolls inward excessively | Plantar fasciitis, PTTD, shin splints, bunion, knee valgus | Medial post orthotic, motion-control shoe |
| Rearfoot varus loading | Supination — heel rolls outward | Lateral ankle sprain, 5th MTH stress fracture, IT band syndrome | Lateral post orthotic, cushioned neutral shoe |
| Equinus gait (heel-to-toe insufficient) | Limited ankle dorsiflexion forces compensatory pronation | Plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, midfoot arthritis | Calf stretching, heel lift, Achilles PT |
| Forefoot striker (no heel contact) | Abnormal for walkers; normal for sprinters | Metatarsal stress fractures, Achilles overload | Running technique correction, cushioned shoe |
| Antalgic gait (shortened stance phase) | Pain-avoidance — shortened contact on painful side | Indicates active pain source in that limb | Identify and treat pain source |
| Trendelenburg gait (hip drop) | Gluteus medius weakness — contralateral hip drops | IT band syndrome, hip bursitis, low back pain | Hip abductor strengthening, gait retraining |
| In-toeing (pigeon toe) | Internal tibial torsion or femoral anteversion | Knee tracking issues, patellofemoral pain | Gait retraining; surgery only in severe pediatric cases |
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Board-Certified Podiatric Foot & Ankle Surgeon · Last reviewed: May 4, 2026
Medically Reviewed | Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Michigan
Related Conditions
In This Article
What Gait Analysis Reveals About Your Body
Your walking pattern is a window into the mechanical health of your entire lower extremity. The foot’s role as a shock absorber and propulsion platform means that small deviations in how it contacts the ground during gait ripple upward — causing knee pain from tibial rotation, hip pain from pelvic shift, and even lower back pain from compensatory lumbar loading. Gait analysis at Balance Foot & Ankle identifies these patterns with precision so treatment addresses the root cause, not just the symptom location.
What Dr. Biernacki’s Gait Analysis Includes
Dr. Biernacki’s clinical gait assessment begins with observation of your walking pattern barefoot and in your current shoes, looking for heel strike pattern, midstance arch behavior, forefoot loading, and push-off mechanics. He assesses for overpronation (inward roll of the arch), supination (insufficient pronation), antalgic gait (pain-avoidance limping), Trendelenburg pattern (hip abductor weakness), and equinus compensation (toe-walking or early heel-rise). Video slow-motion analysis is used when subtle findings need frame-by-frame review.
Common Problems Identified by Gait Analysis
The most common findings include excessive overpronation driving plantar fasciitis, shin splints, and knee pain; insufficient arch motion causing lateral foot stress fractures; leg length discrepancy creating pelvic tilt and lumbar strain; equinus contracture forcing early heel-rise and forefoot overload; and post-injury antalgic patterns that become permanent if not retrained. Identifying the specific pattern allows Dr. Biernacki to prescribe targeted interventions rather than generic treatment.
What Happens After Gait Analysis
Based on gait findings combined with the physical exam, Dr. Biernacki creates a personalized treatment plan. Most commonly this includes custom prescription orthotics molded to correct the specific mechanical fault identified, physical therapy referral for gait retraining and strength correction, targeted stretching protocols for flexibility deficits, and shoe recommendations matched to the patient’s gait type and activity demands. Patients frequently report that addressing the gait issue resolves pain that had persisted for years despite other treatments.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
PowerStep Pinnacle Orthotic Insole
⭐ Highly Rated
Top-rated prefabricated orthotic with excellent arch support and motion control. Ideal for overpronators identified through gait analysis while awaiting custom orthotic fabrication.
Dr. Tom says: “After my gait analysis Dr. Biernacki recommended these as a bridge until my custom orthotics arrived. My shin splints improved within a week.”
Overpronation, flat arches, plantar fasciitis, shin splints
Supinators or neutral gait types needing different support profile
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Brooks Ghost Running Shoe (Neutral Cushion)
⭐ Highly Rated
Consistently top-rated neutral cushion running shoe for gait types ranging from mild overpronation to neutral. Often recommended after gait analysis for runners and walkers.
Dr. Tom says: “Dr. Biernacki identified my gait type and recommended neutral cushion shoes. The Brooks Ghost made a huge difference in my running comfort.”
Neutral to mild overpronation gait, everyday walking, running
Severe overpronators requiring motion-control footwear
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
CURREX RunPro Insole — High Arch
⭐ Highly Rated
Performance running insole in three arch profiles (low, medium, high). Dr. Biernacki recommends CURREX as a high-performance OTC option matched to your specific arch type from gait analysis.
Dr. Tom says: “I’m a supinator and finally found an insole that matched my gait. Dr. Biernacki confirmed CURREX high arch was exactly right for me.”
High arch / supinating gait types, performance runners
Flat arches or severe overpronators needing motion-control support
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- Identifies the root mechanical cause of foot, ankle, knee, and hip pain
- Video slow-motion analysis captures subtle gait faults not visible to the naked eye
- Custom orthotics fabricated based on specific gait findings — not generic templates
- Correlates gait findings with physical exam for a complete mechanical picture
❌ Cons / Risks
- Gait analysis is one component — some pain conditions require imaging to fully evaluate
- Custom orthotic fabrication takes 2–3 weeks after impressions are taken
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Most of the patients I see have been treating their pain at the symptom location for years without improvement. When we look at how they actually walk, the root cause becomes obvious. Gait analysis is one of the most powerful tools in podiatry and one of the most underused.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
What shoes should I bring to a gait analysis?
Bring the shoes you wear most — your everyday walking shoes AND your athletic shoes if applicable. We want to see how your gait changes in each pair.
Does insurance cover gait analysis?
Gait analysis is typically performed as part of a comprehensive new patient evaluation and is billed as a standard office visit. Coverage depends on your specific plan — we verify benefits before your appointment.
Can gait analysis explain my knee or hip pain?
Yes — many cases of patellofemoral knee pain and hip bursitis trace directly to gait mechanics. A podiatric gait evaluation frequently provides the missing piece in these cases.
How long does a gait analysis take?
The gait component takes 15–20 minutes and is typically incorporated into a comprehensive 45-minute new patient appointment. No advance preparation is needed.
Michigan Foot Pain? See Dr. Biernacki In Person
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Most diagnostic visits and conservative treatments are covered by Medicare and major insurers. Out-of-pocket costs vary by your specific plan.
How quickly can I get an appointment?
Most non-urgent cases see us within 5 business days. Urgent cases (sudden pain, possible fracture) typically same or next business day.
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