Skip to main content

Digital video gait analysis reveals what is causing your foot and lower extremity pain

Pedigait 4 camera system and treadmill

My colleague and good friend Brian Cragg from Markham Footcare has produced a very informative YouTube video (shown below) outlining the benefits of using the PediGait synchronous 4 camera gait analysis system.  We both introduced this technology into our offices in April 2012. 

Gait analysis is used on a daily basis by chiropodists/podiatrists  as a  component of the physical evaluation of the presenting patient.  Typically, gait analysis consists of watching a patient walk back and forth in a hallway.  The information observed in the gait analysis helps to reveal the the cause the patient's presenting symptoms.  

Hallway gait analysis provides valuable information to the practitioner but provides no visual feedback for you "the patient" relating to the way you walk or run. 

Gait analysis in hallway

Since the introduction of PediGait into our Whitby office,  we have elevated clinical gait analysis to the next level by providing more informed patient education as well as direct visual feedback to help you to understand why you have foot, ankle, shin, knee, hip and back pain.

The benefits of the Pedigait system include:

  1. Films and records you walking or running on a treadmill simultaneously from the front view, back view, left side view and right side view.  
  2. Archives a permanent visual record of your gait that can be played back immediately or at a future date.

  3. PediGait Screen

    Immediate playback to allow  observation of  your gait from four views at the same time or from one single view on a large high definition TV

  4. The video can be slowed down, viewed frame by frame or paused to allow you to see your gait in complete detail from four different views or one single view.
  5. Provides comparisons between multiple video captures such as walking or running barefoot, with shoes and with shoes plus orthotics. 

  6. Can provide a video file either  for insurance purposes, or for another health professional such as your family doctor or simply to view on your home computer.

Comparison Screen

Finally, one of the benefits for the chiropodist/podiatrist is the ability to view your gait analysis video in more detail after you have left the office.  If your treatment plan requires a prescription foot orthotic,  the archived visual record  from 4 views is extremely useful  when writing a prescription for custom foot orthotics.

 

 

 

   


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

MBT™ footwear: A chiropodist’s view of the “Physiological” footwear.

Over the past year,  I have been asked on several occasions to express my opinion on the benefits and risks of wearing  unconventional footwear such as  MBT™ (Masai Barefoot Technology) shoes , Sketchers “Shape Up”™ shoes and other similar shoes.   I have reviewed research presented at scientific seminars, talked to a MBT footwear medical representative and I have also received feedback from a few patients over the past year who have used MBT shoes or other similar shoes.  In this blog I will discuss the design of MBT footwear and its effects on the thigh and lower leg muscles while standing and walking in MBT footwear.  I will also discuss the effects on ankle joint motion while walking in MBT footwear. MBT footwear was developed in Switzerland in 1996 and came to North America in 2003.  The unstable MBT shoe has been promoted as the original “barefoot” function shoe. This shoe has a rounded sole starting from the heel and continues ...

Wearing flats over 60

Here are some tips for wearing flats if you are over 60. Generally, flats do not have much support and the toe box is narrow instead of rounded. This is also good advice for anyone under 60. https://bestlifeonline.com/flats-over-60/ Whitby Family Footcare

Spring has finally arrived don't be hobbled by plantar fasciitis

It has been a long winter in southern Ontario. Most people have limited their walking outside due to snow and ice on sidewalks and roads. The good news is most of the snow and ice has melted from the sidewalks making it safer to walk without slipping. The bad news is that first spring walk or run might lead to heel pain. Plantar fasciitis usually comes on gradually, but can occur suddenly and be severe. It can affect both feet, but often occurs in only one foot at a time.  Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. The pain is caused by inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of your foot that connects your heel bone to your toes. Plantar fasciitis causes stabbing or burning pain that is usually worse in the morning because the fascia tightens overnight. The pain usually decreases as your foot limbers up, but it may return after standing for a long time or after getting up from a seated position. If plantar fasciitis is not dealt with quickly it can bec...