GAIT PROBLEMS
Concerns about how you walk, limp or balance during movement?
How you walk reflects the coordinated action of muscles, joints, nerves, and bones. Gait irregularities can cause premature joint wear, fatigue, or instability. Our podiatrists analyse your walking mechanics to help restore a smooth, efficient stride
COMMON SYMPTOMS
Does any of this sound familiar?
Gait abnormalities can be noticed by yourself or observed by family members:
- Noticeable limp or asymmetry when walking across a room
- Feet that turn excessively outward (duck-footed) or inward (in-toeing)
- Catching your toes or scuffing shoe tips when walking (foot drop)
- Frequent tripping, stumbling, or feeling unsteady on uneven ground
- Pain that travels from the foot up into the knee, hip, or lower back
- Heavy clomping or loud foot slap when heel striking
Understanding your movement patterns is the key to preventing long-term joint wear.
Our clinical gait analysis breaks down each phase of your stride.
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POSSIBLE CAUSES
What causes gait problems?
Gait mechanics can be altered by structural, muscular, or neurological factors:
Joint mobility restrictions
Stiff ankles, rigid big toes, or arthritic knees force the body to compensate with altered steps.
Muscle weakness & asymmetry
Weak hip abductors, calf tightness, or weak anterior tibial muscles destabilize stride.
Limb length discrepancy
One leg being slightly longer than the other alters pelvic tilt and walking rhythm.
Neurological factors
Sensory loss from diabetes, nerve entrapments, or spinal disc issues affecting motor control.
WHEN TO SEEK ASSESSMENT
When should you consider getting your gait checked?
Consider arranging an assessment if:
- You or others have noticed a persistent limp or unusual walking style
- You are tripping or catching your toes frequently
- Walking causes aching in your knees, hips, or lower back
- You feel unsteady on your feet or balance has deteriorated
- You want a comprehensive gait analysis and mechanical solution
YOUR APPOINTMENT
What happens when you come to see us?
We record and analyse your walking patterns from multiple angles
We listen
We review your medical history, previous injuries, and daily walking demands.
We assess MSK
Your podiatrist checks lower-limb joint ranges, muscle strength, and limb lengths.
We analyse gait
Observational and video gait analysis captures how your feet, knees, and hips move.
We plan
You receive clear explanations of what is causing the gait pattern and corrective options.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Treatment depends on what we find
Treatment focuses on improving walking efficiency, comfort, and balance:
Not every treatment is appropriate for every patient. Your podiatrist will discuss suitable options after assessment.
- Clinical video gait analysis
- Biomechanical lower-limb assessment
- Prescription custom orthotics for alignment correction
- Heel lifts for verified limb length discrepancy
- Targeted gait retraining & stability exercises
- Footwear stability advice
We're here for you
Tired of Living With Pain? We Can Help
STEP 1 OF 2
Request a callback
Fill in your details and one of our team members will be in touch to help.
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- Not sure what to do next?
- Not sure who can help?
Please fill out the form and chat with one of our team members about your right next step.
OUR CLINICIANS
You'll be seen by our podiatry team
Our clinicians assess a wide range of foot, ankle and lower-limb problems and will explain your options clearly.
Matthew Francis
Clinical Director / Managing Podiatrist
Megan Kelly
General & High Risk Foot Podiatrist
Yaw Nimoh
MSK, Sports & Advanced Practice Podiatrist
Patient Reviews
What our patients say about their care
Real feedback from individuals who have trusted our clinical team with their mobility and foot health.
FAQ
Gait problem FAQs
READY TO GET STARTED?
Ready for a smoother, more comfortable stride?
Book online at a time that suits you, or request a callback if you're unsure which appointment is right for you.