What Is Gait Analysis and How Can It Help with Sports Injuries?
If you’ve ever wondered why you keep getting injured while running, dancing, or even walking, the answer might lie in how you move. Gait analysis is a powerful tool that examines how your feet and legs function when you're in motion. Whether you're dealing with recurring pain or just want to improve performance, this assessment can offer real insight.
What Is Gait Analysis?
Gait analysis is a method of assessing the way you walk or run. It involves observing your movement—either visually or through technology—to understand how your body is working and whether anything is out of balance.
At Mary Moore Podiatry, we offer advanced video and 3D gait analysis using tools like the Coaches Eye App and Motion Metrix 3D system. These technologies allow us to slow down your movement, measure angles, and compare side-by-side footage to detect subtle imbalances or compensations that may lead to injury.
Why Does Gait Matter in Sports Injuries?
Every movement you make—whether it’s jogging around the park, dancing on stage, or simply walking the dog—relies on a chain of muscles, joints, and ligaments working together. When one part of this chain isn’t moving correctly, it can place stress elsewhere in your body.
For example, if your foot rolls too far inward (a common issue called overpronation), it can lead to knee pain, shin splints, or even hip problems. Gait analysis helps pinpoint where the load is going wrong so we can address the root cause of injury, not just the symptoms.
What Happens During a Gait Analysis?
The process is simple, and there’s nothing to be nervous about. You'll be asked to walk or run—often barefoot and then in shoes—while your movement is captured on video. For complex cases, we may also use a computerized pressure analysis system like Tekscan Matscan®, which shows how pressure is distributed across your foot as you move.
You’ll be able to see your own gait on screen, slowed down to highlight joint angles, foot positioning, and muscle activity. We then use this information to make tailored recommendations, which could include:
Strengthening or mobility exercises
Footwear changes or recommendations
Orthotics (custom insoles)
Technique adjustments
Follow-up rehab or treatment
Real Benefits for Real People
One of the main strengths of gait analysis is how practical it is. It’s not just for elite athletes—it’s for anyone who moves. You might benefit from a gait assessment if you:
Keep experiencing the same sports injury
Feel “off balance” or unstable when walking or running
Have foot, ankle, knee, or hip pain
Are considering orthotics or changing running shoes
Want to prevent injuries as you increase your activity level
We’ve seen many patients in Dublin 9 and Dublin 4 return to pain-free activity after a gait analysis helped uncover the underlying issue.
Can Gait Analysis Help Choose the Right Footwear?
Absolutely. Shoes—and especially running shoes—can have a big impact on your gait. A pair that works well for one person might worsen symptoms for another. Gait analysis allows us to assess how different footwear affects your movement in real time, helping you choose a shoe that supports you properly.
We can also evaluate how your gait changes with and without orthotics, ensuring any insert you use is actually helping your movement, not hindering it.
Do I Need a Gait Analysis?
If you’ve tried treating your sports injury but it keeps coming back, or you’ve never had your movement assessed before, a gait analysis is a great starting point. It’s especially useful for:
Runners and dancers
People with recurring lower limb injuries
Patients exploring orthotics
Those with complex biomechanical concerns
At Mary Moore Podiatry, we use discretion about when video or pressure platform analysis is needed—it's typically recommended for complex or ongoing issues where understanding your movement is key to recovery.
Conclusion
Gait analysis offers a window into how your body moves, and that insight can be key to solving sports injuries, choosing the right footwear, or improving performance. It’s a premium assessment that’s both educational and empowering, helping you understand your body in a whole new way.
If you’re based in Dublin 4 or Dublin 9 and you’ve been dealing with unexplained leg or foot pain, book a gait analysis to take the first step toward better movement—and fewer injuries.
