Running is one of the easiest and most popular ways to stay fit. But did you know that how you run matters just as much as how much you run? Many runners face problems like knee pain, foot pain, or back pain without knowing the real reason. One of the best ways to understand and prevent these problems is Gait Analysis.

Let’s understand what gait analysis is and why every runner—whether you are a beginner or a marathoner—should consider getting one.

What is Gait Analysis?

Gait analysis is a test that checks how you walk and run. It looks at the way your feet move, how your legs work, and how your body stays balanced.

A physiotherapist or a movement expert watches and records you while you walk or run—usually on a treadmill. Sometimes, we use special cameras or software to look at your movement in slow motion.

Gait analysis helps find:

• Uneven steps
• Poor posture
• Muscle imbalances
• Wrong running patterns

It’s like checking the alignment of your car wheels—when your body moves the wrong way, it wears out faster!

What Does Research Say About Gait and Injuries?

Studies show that up to 79% of runners get injured every year—and many of these injuries are related to poor running form.

One research article published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that:

• 60% of running injuries are due to movement problems that could be fixed with proper gait training.
• Overpronation (feet rolling too far inward) is linked to common issues like shin splints and knee pain.
• Runners who received gait retraining and strength exercises had a 50% lower risk of injury recurrence.

Another study in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy noted that:

• Runners who changed their foot strike and improved hip strength after gait analysis ran longer distances with less pain.

These numbers show that gait analysis is not just a fancy test—it’s a science-backed tool that really works.

Why is Gait Analysis Important for Runners?

Most runners do not realize they are running in an unsafe way until an injury happens. Here are a few reasons why every runner should get a gait analysis:

1. Prevent Injuries

Wrong running form can lead to problems like:

• Shin splints
• Runner’s knee
• Plantar fasciitis (heel pain)
• Hip or lower back pain

A gait analysis can catch these problems before they turn serious.

2. Improve Running Form

Running the right way helps you:

• Run faster
• Save energy
• Avoid wasting effort
  A physiotherapist will guide you on how to correct your running posture, so you move more smoothly and efficiently.

3. Choose the Right Shoes

Different runners need different types of shoes based on how their feet move. Some people roll their feet inward (called overpronation) while others roll them outward (supination).

A gait analysis tells you exactly what kind of support your feet need, so you can buy the right running shoes.

4. Speed Up Recovery

If you’re already injured, gait analysis helps your physiotherapist understand what caused the injury and how to fix it. It can make your healing faster and safer.

What Happens During a Gait Analysis?

A gait analysis at a physiotherapy clinic is simple and painless. Here’s what usually happens:

Step 1: Discussion

The physiotherapist will ask you about:

• Your running routine
• Past injuries
• Type of shoes you wear
• Any pain or discomfort

Step 2: Observation

You’ll be asked to walk and run on a treadmill. Sometimes, you’ll also walk barefoot on a mat with sensors. This helps us understand:

• How your feet hit the ground
• If one leg is stronger or weaker
• How your hips, knees, and ankles move

Step 3: Video Analysis

High-speed cameras record your movement. The physiotherapist may slow down the video and show you what’s happening at each step.

Step 4: Assessment & Advice

Once we understand your gait pattern, we’ll:

• Suggest changes in form
• Recommend exercises
• Help you with the right shoes or insoles
• Make a plan to prevent injuries

Who Should Get a Gait Analysis?

You don’t have to be a professional athlete to get your gait checked. You should consider it if:

• You run regularly—even 2-3 times a week
• You’ve had injuries in the past
• You feel pain during or after running
• You’re training for a race
• You want to improve performance
• You have flat feet or high arches

Even walking problems can benefit from a gait analysis—not just running.

How Physiotherapy Helps After Gait Analysis:

As physiotherapists, we don’t just stop at checking your gait—we treat the problems we find. Based on the analysis, we help with:

1. Strengthening Weak Muscles

We offer customised gradual loading exercises for strengthening and power to facilitate smooth and efficient run.

2. Stretching Tight Muscles

Tight calves or hamstrings can mess up your running style. We guide you with mobility regimes and utilize shockwave release to give you good flexibility!

3. Balance and Core Training

Dynamic core exercises that are safe to do for your spine as well as use of HUBER 360 to add a multi-dimntional stability.

4. Running Re-Training

Functional drills that help you gain confidence in running.

5. Orthotics

If needed, we help fit special shoe inserts (orthotics) to correct foot alignment and reduce pain.

Click here to see a glimpse of running rehab!

Final Thoughts: Is Gait Analysis Worth It?

Yes! 100% worth it.
Think of gait analysis as a health check-up for your running form. Whether you’re running to lose weight, stay healthy, or train for a marathon, it’s a smart move.

As physiotherapists, we believe “prevention is better than cure.” Gait analysis can prevent injuries, improve your performance, and make running fun again.

So, don’t wait for pain to slow you down. Book a gait analysis session today and run smarter, not harder!

-Dr. Tanmayee Pore

Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist

Rehab Station, Pune