Walking Analysis by Podiatrist: Gait Assessment Guide | DPM

Quick answer: Walking Analysis Podiatrist affects roughly 1 in 4 adults in our practice. Effective treatment starts with a targeted diagnosis, conservative-first treatment, and escalation only when needed. We treat this regularly at our Howell and Bloomfield Township practices. Call (810) 206-1402.

✅ Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist · Last updated April 6, 2026

Discover the Power of Professional Walking Analysis!

Walking Analysis Podiatrist (Get A Podiatrist & Foot Doctor Analysis)

Struggling with foot pain, balance issues, or recurring injuries? A Walking Analysis Podiatrist can help uncover the root cause of your discomfort. At Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists, our expert foot doctors use advanced gait evaluation techniques to assess how you walk—pinpointing abnormalities, correcting posture, and guiding you toward healthier, pain-free steps.

What is a Podiatrist Walking Analysis?

A podiatrist walking analysis can be crucial to helping with running pain and even running performance!

Dr. Tom Biernacki specializes in athletic and runner biomechanical evaluations, walking analysis and running analysis.

As a former college athlete, doctor Biernacki is EXTREMELY PASSIONATE about helping athletes improve their athletic performance!

How do we perform a podiatrist walking analysis?

We perform the walking analysis not by watching you run, but by evaluating your biomechanics, your legs and your muscles.

• This is different than a running coach that can train you, this is instead a medical evaluation and treatment.
• This is also known as a gait analysis.
• This means we will assess your feet for bunions, hammer toes, over pronation or supination.
• We will assess which muscles are tight such as your foot muscles, your ankle and calf muscles, or your hamstring and thigh muscles. 
• We can even evaluate your glutes, your lower back and your hips.
• This means getting the right shoes.
• This means getting the right orthotics.
• This means getting the right ankle braces.
• This means the right exercises, stretches and treatments.
• This means NOT wasting more time doing the wrong treatments!

COME see a podiatrist such as Dr. Tom Biernacki today for a running analysis.

Book Your Walking Analysis Today – Quick, Easy, and Convenient!

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Book your appointment at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Howell, Michigan. Our friendly team is here to help you walk with confidence and ease.

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Discover the Power of Expert Walking Analysis with Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists

At Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists, we are proud to offer the #1 Expert Walking Analysis in Michigan. Our specialized analysis is designed to evaluate your unique walking patterns and identify any issues that could be affecting your movement. If you’re experiencing discomfort or simply want to enhance your walking efficiency, our team is here to provide the care and expertise you need.

Our expert walking analysis goes beyond basic observation; we use advanced technology and proven techniques to assess your gait, posture, and overall foot mechanics. This hands-on exam plus imaging when needed helps identify any imbalances or abnormalities that could lead to discomfort or potential injuries. With a detailed report in hand, you can take proactive steps toward improving your walking health.

Walking with confidence and ease is more than just about comfort—it’s about maintaining your independence and staying active. If you’re recovering from an injury, dealing with chronic pain, or looking to optimize your movement, our walking analysis provides the insights and personalized recommendations needed to support your active lifestyle.

Take the first step toward pain-free walking today! Schedule your visit with Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists and experience the difference. Our team is dedicated to helping you walk with confidence, strength, and ease, so you can get back to doing what you love without limitations.

Frequently Asked Questions – Walking Analysis by a Podiatrist

What is a walking analysis by a podiatrist?

A walking analysis (also known as gait analysis) is a detailed assessment of how you walk, run, or move. A podiatrist uses this to evaluate your foot alignment, posture, and biomechanics to detect any irregularities causing pain or discomfort.

Who can benefit from a walking analysis?

Anyone experiencing foot pain, knee issues, hip discomfort, balance problems, or sports-related injuries can benefit. It’s especially helpful for athletes, seniors, or those recovering from an injury.

How is a walking analysis performed?

A podiatrist will observe your gait visually and sometimes use video recording or pressure-sensing equipment to track your foot motion, stride, and balance during walking or running.

What conditions can a gait analysis help diagnose?

It can help identify flat feet, overpronation, high arches, leg length discrepancies, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and other biomechanical issues that affect walking and posture.

Will I need orthotics after my analysis?

Depending on the results, your podiatrist might recommend custom orthotics, exercises, footwear changes, or therapy to improve your gait and reduce discomfort.

Is a walking analysis painful?

Not at all! It’s a non-invasive and painless evaluation. You’ll simply be asked to walk at a comfortable pace while the podiatrist observes your movements.

Where can I get a walking analysis done near me?

If you’re in Michigan, Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists offer professional walking analysis services led by experienced podiatrists—personalized to your unique needs.

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Related Treatment Guides

• Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain Treatment
• Custom 3D Orthotics
• Foot & Ankle Arthritis Treatment

Medical References & Sources

• American Podiatric Medical Association — Patient Education
• American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society — Foot Conditions

Clinical References

1. Perry J, Burnfield JM. “Gait Analysis: Normal and Pathological Function.” 2nd ed. SLACK Incorporated. 2010.
2. Menz HB, et al. “Reliability of the GAITRite walkway system for the quantification of temporo-spatial parameters of gait in young and older people.” Gait and Posture. 2004;20(1):20-25.
3. Wrobel JS, Najafi B. “Diabetic foot biomechanics and gait dysfunction.” Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology. 2010;4(4):833-845.

Visit Balance Foot & Ankle — Same-Day Appointments Available

Our podiatry team serves patients throughout Michigan including Howell, Brighton, and Bloomfield Township. If you’re dealing with heel pain, ingrown toenails, or a foot injury, we have same-day appointment availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I see a podiatrist?

If symptoms persist past 2 weeks, affect your normal activity, or are accompanied by red-flag symptoms (warmth, redness, swelling, inability to bear weight).

What does treatment cost?

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.

More questions patients ask

What is walking analysis by a podiatrist?

Walking analysis (gait analysis) by a podiatrist involves observing and evaluating how you walk to identify abnormal mechanics that contribute to foot, ankle, knee, hip, or back pain. At Balance Foot & Ankle, our podiatrists assess your stride pattern, foot strike, pronation/supination, and alignment during walking and sometimes running. Findings guide treatment recommendations including orthotics, footwear, and physical therapy.

Why would a podiatrist recommend a gait analysis?

A podiatrist recommends gait analysis when patients have recurring foot, ankle, or lower limb injuries, when standard treatments have not provided adequate relief, when selecting custom orthotics, when evaluating foot pain in athletes, or as part of a comprehensive biomechanical assessment. Balance Foot & Ankle uses walking analysis as a foundational tool for understanding the mechanical causes of foot pain.

What does a podiatric walking analysis reveal?

Podiatric walking analysis reveals patterns such as overpronation (excessive inward rolling), supination (outward rolling), antalgic gait (limping due to pain), decreased push-off, abnormal foot strike pattern, and asymmetries between feet. These findings help explain pain patterns and guide precise orthotic design. Balance Foot & Ankle's walking analysis helps create targeted interventions for each patient's specific biomechanical profile.

How is walking analysis used to design custom orthotics?

Findings from walking analysis at Balance Foot & Ankle directly inform custom orthotic design — determining the appropriate arch support height, heel posting angle, forefoot corrections, and cushioning needs for each patient. Custom orthotics made without gait analysis may not adequately address the actual movement patterns contributing to pain. Combining gait analysis with foot casting produces the most biomechanically appropriate orthotics.

Does insurance cover podiatric gait analysis?

Gait analysis is typically included in a comprehensive podiatric evaluation at Balance Foot & Ankle and billed as part of the office visit rather than separately. If gait analysis is needed to support a prescription for custom orthotics, the documentation generated may support insurance coverage for the orthotics. Call (810) 206-1402 for information about your specific coverage at our Howell or Bloomfield Township offices.

Still have a question about coverage or cost? Book online and we will check your benefits before your visit: Book in Howell · Book in Bloomfield Township. Prefer to talk it through first? Call (810) 206-1402.