★ 4.9 Stars · 1,123+ Reviews · Balance Foot & Ankle Michigan
Biomechanical Gait Analysis
Board-certified podiatrists in Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI. 4.9★ rated · Same-week appointments · Most insurance accepted · (810) 206-1402.
✅ Medically Reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Last updated: April 7, 2026 · Evidence-based · 8 min read
Biomechanical Gait Analysis in Michigan
Advanced computerized analysis reveals how you walk and run, identifying biomechanical abnormalities that cause chronic pain and injury. Our podiatrists use pressure mapping and video analysis to create personalized treatment plans.
⭐ 4.9/5 Rating
1,123+ Patient Reviews
🎓 Board-Certified
Podiatrists & Specialists
📅 Same-Day Available
Walk-ins & Quick Scheduling
💰 Insurance Friendly
Most Plans Accepted
What Is Biomechanical Gait Analysis?
Biomechanical gait analysis is a comprehensive evaluation of how you walk and run. Using advanced technology like pressure mapping, video analysis, and computer modeling, we measure your walking patterns, foot strike mechanics, and joint alignment to identify abnormalities causing pain or injury. Whether you’re dealing with chronic plantar fasciitis, knee pain, or recurring injuries, gait analysis reveals the root biomechanical causes so we can design targeted treatment plans—including custom orthotics, physical therapy protocols, and surgical recommendations when needed.
Understanding Biomechanical Gait Analysis
Your gait—the way you walk—is as unique as your fingerprint. It’s determined by the alignment of your bones, the strength of your muscles, the flexibility of your joints, and your movement habits developed over years. When something goes wrong with your gait biomechanics, it creates abnormal stress on your feet, ankles, knees, hips, and back. This is why patients with flat feet, high arches, or muscle imbalances often develop chronic pain that shoe inserts alone cannot fix.
At Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists, our gait analysis combines three advanced assessment methods:
Computerized Pressure Mapping: Digital insole sensors record how pressure is distributed under your foot during walking and running. This reveals which areas bear excessive load—critical data for designing orthotics and identifying pain generators like metatarsalgia or plantar fasciitis.
Video Gait Analysis: High-speed video records your walking and running patterns. We review the footage in slow motion to observe foot strike pattern (heel vs. forefoot vs. midfoot striking), pronation (inward rolling), supination (outward rolling), stride length, cadence, and asymmetries between your left and right sides.
Observational & Clinical Assessment: Our podiatrists visually inspect your static posture, perform range-of-motion testing, assess ankle stability, check for leg-length discrepancies, and evaluate muscle strength to complete a full biomechanical picture.
Together, these assessments reveal exactly how your biomechanics contribute to pain, injury, or dysfunction. This information directly guides treatment—whether that’s custom orthotics, physical therapy, footwear recommendations, or surgical intervention. Without gait analysis, treatment is often guesswork; with it, we address the actual root cause.
Who Should Have a Gait Analysis?
If any of these apply to you, a biomechanical gait analysis is highly recommended:
- ✓ Chronic Foot, Ankle, Knee, Hip, or Back Pain: If you have persistent pain in any of these areas that doesn’t resolve with rest or standard treatment, biomechanical dysfunction is often the culprit. Gait analysis identifies the root cause.
- ✓ Runners with Recurring Injuries: Plantar fasciitis, shin splints, IT band syndrome, and stress fractures often stem from faulty gait mechanics. Analysis prevents re-injury and optimizes running efficiency.
- ✓ Candidates for Custom Orthotics: Prescription orthotics should be designed based on your specific gait abnormalities and pressure distribution, not generic templates. Gait analysis ensures your orthotics provide precise correction.
- ✓ Post-Surgical Patients: After foot or ankle surgery, gait analysis monitors recovery and ensures you’re walking correctly as you return to normal activity.
- ✓ Children with In-Toeing or Out-Toeing: Gait abnormalities in children can correct naturally or become permanent. Early analysis helps determine if intervention is needed.
- ✓ Patients with Diabetes or Neuropathy: Abnormal gait combined with reduced foot sensation increases fall risk and ulceration risk. Analysis helps identify dangerous pressure points and stability issues.
- ✓ Patients with Neurological Conditions: Stroke, Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy, and other neurological conditions affect gait. Analysis helps with rehabilitation planning and safety.
What Our Gait Analysis Evaluates
During your comprehensive gait analysis, we measure and assess the following parameters:
Kinetic Parameters
- • Plantar pressure distribution (pressure mapping)
- • Contact time and force under different foot regions
- • Loading rates and shock absorption patterns
- • Left-right symmetry
Kinematic Parameters
- • Foot strike pattern (heel, midfoot, forefoot)
- • Pronation and supination (excessive inversion/eversion)
- • Joint angles (ankle, knee, hip, pelvis)
- • Cadence and stride length
Structural Factors
- • Arch height and flexibility
- • Limb length discrepancy
- • Bone alignment (torsion, valgus/varus deformities)
- • Muscle strength and activation patterns
How Our Gait Analysis Works
1
Clinical Assessment & History
Your podiatrist reviews your medical history, pain patterns, and activity level. We visually inspect your feet and lower legs, assess your standing posture, and perform range-of-motion testing to understand your baseline biomechanics.
2
Pressure Mapping Analysis
You walk or run across our pressure-sensitive plate or treadmill while sensors record exactly how your weight distributes under your feet. The system generates heat maps showing peak pressure points, contact time, and force—invaluable data for identifying pain generators and designing orthotics.
3
Video Gait Analysis
High-speed video cameras record your walking and running from multiple angles. We analyze the footage in slow motion, observing foot strike pattern, ankle motion, pronation/supination, knee alignment, hip stability, and any asymmetries between left and right sides.
4
Functional Testing
We assess muscle strength, flexibility, joint stability, and proprioception. Single-leg stance, balance tests, and functional movements help identify muscular weakness or compensation patterns that contribute to your problem.
5
Report & Treatment Plan
We compile all findings into a comprehensive report with images, pressure maps, and video clips. Your podiatrist explains the results and recommends treatment—custom orthotics, physical therapy exercises, footwear changes, activity modifications, or surgical consultation—based on your specific biomechanical diagnosis.
Conditions Revealed by Gait Analysis
Gait analysis helps us accurately diagnose and understand the root causes of many common conditions:
Plantar Fasciitis
Excessive pronation and high medial arch pressure reveal why your plantar fascia is inflamed. Orthotics can reduce strain.
Overpronation
Video shows excessive inward ankle rolling. Pressure mapping confirms medial arch stress. Corrective orthotics stop compensation injuries.
Metatarsalgia
Pressure mapping pinpoints which metatarsal heads bear excessive load. We design padding and orthotics to redistribute pressure.
Shin Splints
Foot strike analysis reveals overstrike, overtraining, or gait inefficiency. Correction prevents re-injury in runners.
IT Band Syndrome
Gait video shows excessive knee valgus (inward collapse) or hip weakness. Orthotics and strength training reduce tension.
Achilles Tendinopathy
Analysis reveals excessive pronation, tight calves, or overactivity. Custom orthotics reduce tendon stress.
Knee Pain (Patellofemoral)
Abnormal foot mechanics cause knee tracking issues. Gait analysis reveals the foot-caused component to treat appropriately.
Hip & Lower Back Pain
Foot-ankle dysfunction cascades to the hip and spine. Gait analysis identifies the lower-limb cause of upper-body pain.
Gait Disorders (Neurological)
Post-stroke, Parkinson’s, or MS patients benefit from detailed analysis for rehabilitation and fall risk assessment.
Schedule Your Gait Analysis Today
Stop treating symptoms. Start addressing the root cause of your pain with advanced biomechanical analysis.
Gait Analysis & Custom Orthotics
One of the most powerful applications of gait analysis is designing truly custom orthotics. Here’s why gait-analysis-based orthotics are so different from store-bought insoles:
Generic Store Insoles
- ✗ One-size-fits-most design
- ✗ No individual pressure data
- ✗ Generic arch support
- ✗ Limited customization
- ✗ Often ineffective for complex problems
Gait-Analysis-Informed Orthotics
- ✓ Designed for your unique biomechanics
- ✓ Based on your pressure mapping data
- ✓ Precisely targeted correction
- ✓ 3D scanning for perfect fit
- ✓ Proven solution for persistent pain
Our process is precise: After your gait analysis, we scan your foot in 3D, then use pressure mapping data and your biomechanical findings to design orthotics that provide exactly the correction your feet need. Whether you overpronate, need metatarsal support, or require heel lift correction, your orthotics are engineered for your specific problem. This is why patients often see dramatic improvement after switching from over-the-counter insoles to prescription orthotics informed by gait analysis.
Gait Analysis for Runners & Athletes
Athletes and runners demand peak performance and injury prevention. Gait analysis is a game-changing tool for serious competitors and active individuals:
Injury Prevention
Identify biomechanical flaws before they cause stress fractures, tendinitis, or chronic pain. Corrective orthotics and training cues prevent injuries.
Performance Optimization
Small tweaks to your gait mechanics can improve efficiency, speed, and endurance. Better biomechanics = better performance.
Shoe Recommendations
Based on your foot strike pattern and pronation, we recommend the best running shoes for your biomechanics.
Return to Sport
After injury or surgery, gait analysis ensures you’re moving correctly before returning to high-impact activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Treatments & Services
Get Your Personalized Gait Analysis
Take the first step toward pain-free movement. Book your gait analysis appointment today.
Our Locations
Howell
Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists
4330 E Grand River Ave
Howell, MI 48843
Hours:
Mon–Fri: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Phone:
(810) 206-1402
Fax: 833-450-6201
Bloomfield Hills
Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists
43494 Woodward Ave #208
Bloomfield Twp, MI 48302
Hours:
Mon–Fri: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Phone:
(810) 206-1402
Fax: 833-450-6317
Our Podiatrists
Medical Sources & References
- Cavanagh, P. R. (1999). Plantar soft tissue injury: how and why are they different? Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association, 89(7), 359-369.
- McPoil, T. G., & Hunt, G. C. (1995). Evaluation and management of foot and ankle disorders: present problems and future directions. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 21(6), 381-388.
- Perry, J., & Burnfield, J. M. (2010). Gait Analysis: Normal and Pathological Function. Slack Incorporated.
- Root, M. L., Orien, W. P., & Weed, J. H. (1977). Biomechanical Examination of the Foot (Vol. 1). Clinical Biomechanics Corporation.
- Wearing, S. C., Smeathers, J. E., Yates, B., Sullivan, P. M., & Urry, S. R. (2006). Plantar fasciitis: are pain measures helpful? Foot & Ankle International, 27(12), 907-913.
Medical Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. The information provided is intended to help you understand gait analysis and common foot conditions, but it should not replace professional medical consultation. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any new treatment regimen. Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists provides personalized medical care based on individual patient evaluation and diagnostics.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Walking & Running Assessment
We observe your gait on a treadmill or walkway, noting stride length, foot strike pattern, and any asymmetries.
Pressure Mapping
Digital pressure sensors capture exactly where your feet bear weight during each phase of the gait cycle.
Corrective Recommendations
Based on your analysis, we prescribe orthotics, footwear changes, or exercises to optimize your biomechanics.
“The gait analysis was incredibly thorough. They identified exactly why I was having knee and hip pain. The custom orthotics they recommended made an immediate difference.”
— Robert M., Gait Analysis Patient
Your Expert Podiatrists
Serving Patients Across Southeast Michigan
Balance Foot & Ankle provides expert podiatric care from two convenient locations. Our Howell office serves patients from Brighton, Hartland, Fowlerville, Pinckney, Fenton, Hamburg, Whitmore Lake, South Lyon, and throughout Livingston County. Our Bloomfield Hills office serves Birmingham, Troy, West Bloomfield, Pontiac, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Royal Oak, Clarkston, Lake Orion, Rochester Hills, Waterford, Commerce Township, Novi, and Walled Lake across Oakland County.
Your Board-Certified Podiatrists
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-week appointments available at both locations.
Book Your AppointmentBoard-certified care at both Michigan locations
Book your visit today
Most insurance accepted · On-site X-ray · Board-certified podiatrists
Howell · (810) 206-1402 Bloomfield · (248) 335-0322Biomechanical Gait Analysis — Michigan Podiatrist
Watch Dr. Biernacki demonstrate advanced gait analysis — how we analyze walking mechanics to identify the root cause of foot, knee, hip, and back pain and design custom orthotics for correction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a biomechanical gait analysis involve?
A comprehensive gait analysis includes: visual gait observation, foot pressure mapping (pedobarograph), video slow-motion gait recording, joint range-of-motion assessment, muscle strength testing, and footwear evaluation. The complete assessment takes 30–45 minutes and directly informs custom orthotic prescription.
Can gait analysis help with knee and back pain?
Yes — abnormal foot mechanics (overpronation, supination, leg length discrepancy) cause compensatory changes throughout the kinetic chain affecting knees, hips, and spine. Studies show custom orthotics prescribed after gait analysis reduce knee pain in 68–75% of patients with knee osteoarthritis.
How does gait analysis differ from a regular foot exam?
A standard foot exam assesses structure at rest. Gait analysis evaluates dynamic function during walking and running — revealing problems invisible at rest (such as dynamic collapse, premature heel rise, crossover gait). The combination of static exam and dynamic gait analysis provides the most complete picture.
Watch: In-Office Gait Analysis
Dr. Tom demonstrates our in-office biomechanical gait analysis — pressure plate scanning and orthotic prescription.
Gait Correction Starter Kit
After gait analysis, patients usually receive an orthotic prescription. These four support the transition:
As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. This supports our free patient education content.
First-line OTC insole for patients awaiting custom pair.
For forefoot overload patterns.
Proprioceptive input accelerates gait retraining.
Adjunct for sore muscles during gait transition.
Related: Custom Orthotics · Gait Analysis Deep Dive · Book In-Office Gait Scan
Related Conditions We Treat
Learn more about these conditions or book your appointment for a personalized treatment plan.