What should you know about up and running gait analysis?

A clinician watches and measures how your feet, ankles, knees, hips, pelvis, and trunk move through walking or running. They may compare comfortable movement with the activity that causes symptoms, looking at stride timing, foot contact, balance, joint alignment, and how force travels through the body.

Tools can add detail rather than replace a physical assessment. [3D Motion Capture](/technology/3d-motion-capture/) can track movement, while a [Pressure Plate Gait Scanner](/technology/pressure-plate-gait-scanner/) can show how pressure shifts under the feet. A finding is a clue to interpret with symptoms, strength, flexibility, and goals.

Wear the shoes and clothing you normally use for activity, and bring a record of when pain, numbness, or fatigue appears. The assessment may include walking, jogging, changing pace, or simple strength and mobility checks. Tell the clinician about old injuries, training changes, and surfaces that alter your symptoms.

The plan might include technique practice, strengthening, mobility work, activity changes, or footwear advice. [Custom Orthotics](/treatments/non-surgical-orthopedics/custom-orthotics/) may be considered when foot mechanics and symptoms support them, but they are not needed for every gait pattern.

Arrange assessment for recurring pain, repeated trips or falls, a new limp, or symptoms that limit walking or running. Seek urgent care for inability to bear weight after an injury, a visibly deformed limb, sudden weakness, or numbness with loss of bladder or bowel control.

Ask what movement pattern may relate to your symptoms, which finding matters most, and what change will be tested first. Ask how progress will be measured, whether your shoes or orthotics should change, and when you can safely increase activity.