Quick guide
This page provides general health information and does not diagnose an individual condition. Persistent, worsening or concerning symptoms should be assessed by an appropriately qualified health professional.
This page provides general health information and does not diagnose an individual condition. Persistent, worsening or concerning symptoms should be assessed by an appropriately qualified health professional.
It may be useful when…
- You develop recurring pain during walking or running.
- You have repeated injuries and want to examine loading, cadence, footwear or movement strategies.
- A clinician wants to see whether a suspected mechanical factor is present during the activity that causes symptoms.
- You are returning to sport after injury and need help progressing load or technique.
What is important to understand
- There is no single perfect gait for everyone.
- Video or treadmill analysis can provide useful detail, but more technology does not automatically mean a better diagnosis.
- A useful gait assessment should connect observations to symptoms and produce practical recommendations.
When not to wait
New weakness, a sudden major change in walking, loss of balance, neurological symptoms or inability to bear weight requires clinical assessment rather than routine performance gait analysis.
New weakness, a sudden major change in walking, loss of balance, neurological symptoms or inability to bear weight requires clinical assessment rather than routine performance gait analysis.
The Footpath Health approach
Footpath Health is designed to help you move from a symptom or question toward an appropriate next step without pretending that an online article can make an individual diagnosis. Sometimes that next step is self-management; sometimes it is podiatry, physiotherapy or GP assessment; and sometimes imaging or specialist care is appropriate.
Still not sure what the right next step is?
Tell Footpath Health what is bothering you and we can help guide you towards the most appropriate type of healthcare professional.
Start the Footpath Health assessment →