Video Gait Analysis
Assessing foot motion during the dynamic (walking) stages is essential to understanding the effect of foot mechanics and footwear. At Gait Way Podiatry, we use an advanced form of video gait analysis, plantar pressure analysis scanning to aid in diagnosing and treating complex conditions in the foot, ankle, knees and hips.
There are three basic stages to the human gait cycle: heel strike, midstance and toe-off. At times it may be difficult to view all the details during a single consultation, so these tools allow us to review and thoroughly analyse each stage of gait. Video gait analysis allows a detailed review of the assessment once the patient has left the premises. It also enables the practitioner to make comparisons with previous captures in order to determine progress and evaluate treatment paths. This information is extremely valuable and enables the Podiatrists to accurately diagnose and make alterations to the treatment.
The outcome of gait analysis is used further to discuss and educate the patient regarding their gait. We cannot see the way we walk, and therefore may not be able to appreciate the potentially damaging biomechanics of our lower limbs. It makes it easier to understand a condition if you have seen it for yourself. The video analysis is also used to show the patient the before and after results, once the orthotic has been put into the shoe.
Ripple Effect Orthotics
Using 3D modelling software, we are able to design and produce our own customised orthotics here at Gait Way Podiatry.
It starts with a dynamic scan on a baropodometric platform to detect the patient’s foot loads and their posture during standing and walking. The foot is then scanned with the 3D Podoscan, an electronic podoscope for acquiring the digital footprint.
The orthotic is constructed using the information gathered from the previous steps. The podiatrist’s preferences for control and accommodating features are then added. Following this, the orthotic is milled directly on our premises, and any additional padding, wedging and top-covers are added. It can be produced within an hour, however, we will allow for a day to make it the best quality possible.
This direct milling allows for extreme accuracy for pressure redistribution for diabetic ulcers, which can allow for better wound healing. Tri-athletes and those competing in various levels of sport can now have the thinnest and most structured orthotics made to reduce the risk of injury or re-injury. By using this 3D modelling system, it means that the orthotics can be better fitted to your athletic footwear.
The benefits of the ripple effect system are the combination of three dimensional and two dimensional planes being superimposed to yield the ultimate foot bed for any foot function and shoe. This allows us to deliver a high quality product in half the time.
PodoSmart Gait Analysis
The PodoSmart system is a wearable sensor technology that accurately measures multiple gait parameters in the lower limb relating to real life conditions. It comprises a pair of intelligent insoles, coupled to an easy-to-use web interface, which allows clinicians to view the data recorded by the PodoSmart system.
The intelligent insoles feature sensors designed to detect tiny foot movements. These data points can be used to monitor foot injury and detect abnormalities.
Each Podosmart insole has an on-board inertial unit recording movement and orientation of the foot in space. This data is processed by artificial intelligence algorithms to recognise walking steps, running strides and other activities and then calculate the space-time, kinematic and biomarker parameters displayed in the interface.
The insoles are placed in the patients’ shoes, and then they are asked to walk, or run, in the shoes. This can be performed either indoors or outdoors. After the patient is done walking or running, the data is directly sent from the connected insoles to the web interface on the computer with the help of Bluetooth signals.
The device provides a detailed review of how a person walks by providing data on the following points:
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Cadence
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Speed (walking, propulsion and average)
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Digital Gaitline
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Dynamic pronation/supination
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Time (stance, stance phases, swing, double support, stride)
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Stride length and asymmetr