Gait Analysis

ACE specialise in gait analysis and use state of the art scanning technology in order to achieve the most accurate assessment. ACE also provide a general podiatry service (chiropody) where we will attend to any of your foot care needs. Our Cardiff facility offers FREE AMPLE PARKING

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Treatments and services

Biomechanics

It is well accepted that many problems relating to the foot, ankle, knee, hip and lower back can be caused by irregular movement of the foot.

An assessment, incorporating physical examination and analysis using the latest computerised scanning technology by our experienced Podiatrists, will help to identify any irregularities in the way in which your foot functions whilst moving.

If necessary, we will prescribe functional insoles to rectify any such discrepancies by supporting and correcting the foot throughout the gait cycle. As a result, reducing the stress and strain on muscles, ligaments and joints, which contribute to the cause of the conditions mentioned.

At our Cardiff Clinic, any functional insoles required are frequently issued at the SAME TIME as your assessment by one of our trained specialist fitting technicians.

During walking and running the foot must:

Act as a shock absorber
Be mobile in order to adapt to uneven ground
Be a rigid lever in order to propel you forward efficiently

All three functions depend on the correct movement of the foot. The foot acts as both a rigid lever and a mobile adapter in gait and undergoes many changes of position when we walk and run. Foot biomechanics is the science of assessing foot function and relating this to foot pathology. An accurate diagnosis can be achieved by using both conventional principles and digital diagnostic techniques.

Many people suffer from pain in their feet, ankles, knees, hips and lower back, but not many realise that this can be caused by poor foot alignment. At Ace Feet in Motion, we have experienced qualified podiatrists available, with extensive knowledge of foot function and biomechanics. By attending our clinic we can carry out a full assessment with the computerised scanning system wherever necessary and formulate a treatment plan.

Gait Assessment Facility Cardiff

In addition to the three clinic rooms, in 2007 we opened our Gait Analysis Facility.

This state of the art facility has a 20 metre running track which allows our clinicians to analyse your natural sporting gait, whether running, jumping, bowling or walking.

It is here that we carry out our work with the WRU, Welsh Athletics, Disability Sports Wales and Cardiff City Football Club.

This room is available to be booked by individuals or sporting organisations for a more in-depth analysis.

Common Treated Conditions

Heel pain

Heel pain is a very commonly treated problem here at our clinic and can be caused by a number of factors. The most common causes of heel pain however are:

Plantar Fasciitis - This is pain and inflammation of your Plantar Fascia. Your Plantar Fascia is a strong band of fibrous tissue (like a ligament) that stretches from your heel to toes. It supports the arch of your foot and also acts as a shock-absorber. Pain usually presents on the underside of the heel slightly towards the inside and is more noticeable first thing in the morning and/or after rest. This can be very painful but with the right advice/orthotic management should improve fairly quickly. (See products available in shop).

Achilles Tendinopathy – This is pain and swelling (inflammation) of the Achilles tendon, which is the big tendon at the back of your ankle that attaches your heel bone to your calf muscles. This condition affects as many as 20% of runners but also commonly affects walkers, cross fitters, gym goers and many more. This often comes on over a period of time and can start to affect your performance. Get this looked at sooner rather than later as you will have a quicker chance of returning to activity.

Sever’s Disease – This is the most common cause of heel pain in children aged between 9 and 14. This is caused by swelling of the growth plate in the heel. By squeezing either side of the heel bone you can often re-create discomfort therefore confirming the condition. The combination of growth/high levels of activity and very flat sporting shoes (football boots, spikes etc.) is the perfect combination to cause Sever’s Disease.

Shin and Calf Pain

Shin and calf pain are also very commonly treated conditions here at our clinics.

Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome – this is pain that usually affects the inside of the lower third of the Tibia (shin bone). This is most commonly caused by overuse and inflammation of Tibialis posterior muscle, which then leads to stress on the bone. This is very common amongst runners but can also be seen in anyone who participates in walking or running related sports.

Anterior Shin pain - This is pain in the outer side of the shin bone which affects the Tibialis anterior muscle. This is less common than medial shin pain but can certainly affect lots of people partaking in walking/running related sports or activities.

Posterior Tibialis Tendon Dysfunction (PTTD) - The posterior tibialis tendon is one of the major supporting structures of the foot and ankle, helping it to function whilst walking. Posterior Tibialis tendon dysfunction is a condition caused by changes in the tendon, impairing its ability to support the arch of the foot, resulting in pain, weakness and visual changes in foot posture.

Pain is usually located on the inside of the ankle and can be increased by wearing shoes with less support. The earlier this can be diagnosed and treated the better.

Calf Pain - The calf complex is made up of two muscle groups, your Gastrocnemius and Soleus. Calf pain is commonly associated with many sports including any running, jumping or explosive sports. Certain foot types can be responsible for overuse in the calf complex and footwear can also have a significant influence over the stresses applied.

Knee Pain

Knee pain is another frequently treated problem here at our clinics. There are many factors that can contribute to knee pain and thorough examination is often needed to diagnose this problem. Knee pain can be caused by rotational stress, cartilage damage, ligament damage, muscle weakness/imbalance and many more. The most common cause of knee pain we see in our clinic is:

ITB syndrome (Iliotibial Band Syndrome) – This is one of the most prevalent injuries among runners and is caused by tightness and inflammation in the Iliotibial Band which starts in your hip and attaches in your knee. The most common symptom of this injury is a sharp stabbing discomfort on the outside of the knee. Lots of runners with this injury state that after trying to run through the pain it just made the pain come on sooner.

Other Common Conditions

Bunions – This is where the big toe starts to deviate away from the inside of your foot. This can often lead to an increased bony prominence on the side of the big toe joint. This can be painful and can lead to footwear becoming very difficult to wear. This can also lead to callus and corn being formed on the joint and lesser toes often leading to chiropody management. This is often caused by certain genetic traits and/or the way that you walk and is more common in women.

Flat Feet – This describes the appearance of the foot and doesn’t necessarily have any influence over how the foot functions. If the foot is flat due to increased pronation (rolling in) or hyper flexibility then orthoses can certainly be of benefit. However, don’t assume that just because you have flat feet you function poorly – this certainly isn’t the case with many people. If you have any concerns book in for an advice consultation.

Make an appointment

All of the common conditions are treated at all of our clinics across South Wales and the west of England as well as many more. If you require more information or would like to book an appointment please click the link below.

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FAQs

How do I make an appointment?

Please contact us on 0800 6226789 or email [email protected]

What can I expect when I arrive at the Cardiff clinic?

At our Cardiff clinic, ample free parking is available. On arrival you will be directed upstairs to the ACE reception area where you will be welcomed by Victoria and she will let the podiatrist know that you are waiting. Whilst you are waiting relax and help yourself to a complimentary tea or coffee.

What do I need to bring for the appointment?

We ask that you arrive with either loose fitting trousers, running gear or a pair of shorts as the podiatrist will need to see your lower limb. We also ask that you bring any relevant footwear e.g. running shoes, football/rugby boots, spikes, work shoes etc.

Are the Podiatrists fully qualified and professionally registered?

Absolutely! All of our podiatrists have a BSc (Hons) degree in Podiatry and have undergone further training in the area of biomechanical gait analysis. They are also registered with the Health Care Professionals Council and the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists – All certification is available upon request.

Is my child too young for gait analysis?

The short answer is no. Obviously every case is taken on an individual basis, however sometimes parents can be concerned about the foot posture of their child and sometimes it’s a case of putting Mum and Dad’s mind at ease. Feel free to contact the team if you have any further questions on your child’s feet. Ask the expert.

Will I need to run at my appointment?

This is something that will be decided by the podiatrist at the time of the appointment and depends on the specifics of the problems you present with. There is an option to request a full running gait package and Victoria will explain exactly what that includes.

If I need orthotics how long will they take to make?

This depends on your individual needs. For the majority of common conditions we hope to be able to make the orthoses at the same time of your initial appointment. The orthoses will either be fitted by the podiatrist or one of our trained specialist fitting technicians. Sometimes, a fully bespoke orthotic might be needed and these can take up to 5-10 working days to be made depending on the complexity of your problem.