What should you know about kinematic analysis of gait?

A clinician may observe your walking while cameras, sensors, or other equipment track positions at the pelvis, hips, knees, ankles, and feet. The assessment focuses on motion, such as how a knee bends, how the pelvis shifts, and how the foot progresses from contact to push-off. It does not by itself diagnose every cause of pain. Findings are interpreted alongside your symptoms, strength, joint examination, footwear, and activity goals.

Wear comfortable clothing that allows the legs to move and bring the shoes you normally use for walking or sport. Tell the clinician about pain, previous injuries, assistive devices, and activities that bring on symptoms. Depending on the findings, your plan may include targeted exercises, technique changes, footwear advice, or an orthotic assessment. A [3D Motion Capture](/technology/3d-motion-capture/) system can provide detailed movement data, while a [Pressure Plate Gait Scanner](/technology/pressure-plate-gait-scanner/) examines loading beneath the feet.

Arrange medical assessment promptly if walking difficulty follows a significant injury, you cannot bear weight, a limb looks deformed, or new weakness, numbness, or loss of coordination appears. Seek urgent help for sudden inability to walk with severe pain or a cold, pale, or blue foot. A gait assessment is useful for planning care, but urgent symptoms need a broader examination.

Which movement pattern is most relevant to my symptoms? What did the assessment show about my hip, knee, ankle, and foot control? Which exercises should I practise, and how will progress be checked? Would [Custom Orthotics](/treatments/non-surgical-orthopedics/custom-orthotics/) be appropriate for my goals?