Gait analysis is a structured look at how you walk or run, breaking down movement that normally happens too fast to see clearly. It’s used to understand recurring injuries and to fine-tune mechanics for performance.
How it’s done
Most setups combine high-speed video, a treadmill or force plate measuring how force moves through your foot, and increasingly wearable sensors for real-world tracking. You’ll usually walk or run at a few speeds so the clinician can see how your pattern changes under different demands.
What it can reveal
- Foot strike pattern — heel, midfoot, or forefoot
- Cadence and stride length — too few steps per minute raises impact forces
- Asymmetries between your left and right sides
- Alignment through the hip, knee, and ankle
When it’s actually useful
It adds the most value for recurrent overuse injuries, post-injury rehab, and orthotic prescription — answering a specific clinical question, rather than as a routine screening for every runner. Bring your usual training shoes; sessions run 30–60 minutes and are completely non-invasive.
This page is educational and general in nature and does not replace an individualized evaluation — see our medical disclaimer.