Gait Analysis Specialist in Hinsdale, IL

Gait is defined as the pattern of foot movements that humans use during locomotion, or the way in which a person walks. It is characterized by the way in which the legs propel the body forward. The term ‘gait’ is used to refer to quadrupedal (four legs, such as dogs, cats, and horses) and bipedal (two legs, such as humans) movement. Gait is a characteristic motion pattern that is made by a human as they walk, run, or otherwise move their legs. It consists of the synchronized movement of the feet, legs, arms, shoulders, and hips.

Gait refers to the way in which a foot contacts the ground as it is propelled forward by the leg during the stance and swing phases of walking. During the stance phase, the foot is moving in a forward direction, and the leg is extended and angled backward. Gait analysis (GA) involves the acquisition of spatiotemporal and kinematic data. It can be used to chart changes in gait over time, identify gait dysfunctions, deficits, or injuries, and evaluate treatment effectiveness.

Gait analysis is a field of biomechanics and orthopedics that has evolved to study the mechanics of human movement. It studies how the body moves, how the gait pattern is modified by the conditions of the environment, and how both of these contribute to the stability, safety, and efficiency of the gait. Gait analysis has increased in popularity in recent years, and is increasingly used by schools, therapists, physical therapists, and other healthcare professionals to help design and improve treatments. Gait analysis involves observing and recording footsteps to understand mechanics, biomechanics, and movement patterns.

Gait analysis is the scientific study of human gaits. It is performed to understand human movement patterns, diagnose gait or orthopedic problems, gain insight into the biomechanics of walking and running, help develop the best treatments and rehabilitation programs, and help to prevent injuries by identifying how different physical conditions affect gait. A gait analysis compares the gait of a person with a gait disorder to the gait of a healthy person, usually within a given time frame.

Gait analysis is a method used to study the movement of a person’s hips and legs, which is how the gait cycle is defined. It can also be used to study the biomechanics of the human body to understand how we move. The information gained from the analysis of a person’s gait can also be used to diagnose injuries or other health problems. The analysis can include reviewing:

• Running history
• Training goals
• Foot placement
• Shoe wear
• Strength and flexibility
• Heel strike
• Arm swing
• Hip, knee, and foot mechanics

After a full assessment, patients will learn what personal body mechanics issues they might have, what strength and flexibility exercises will help, and what changes they can make to improve their gait pattern. All of this will lower the chance of injuries and help patients become better runners or walkers.

Many different diseases and conditions can affect a person’s gait and lead to problems with walking or bipedal motion. Some common problems include:

• Abnormal development of the muscles or bones
• Arthritis of the hips, knees, ankles, feet
• Cerebellar disorders affect the way the brain controls coordination and balance
• Foot problems, including corns, calluses, sores & warts
• Infections
• Injuries, such as fractures, sprains, and tendinitis
• Movement disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease
• Neurologic diseases, including multiple sclerosis & nerve disorders
• Vision problems

Anyone who is experiencing problems with walking, running, or balance can benefit from gait analysis. It is also highly beneficial for people who have a history of gait problems in their family, as these analyses can track and record even minute changes in gait over time. If you or someone you love is experiencing problems with walking or balance, come to Progressive Physical Therapy for a professional gait analysis. For more information, call us today or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 15 Spinning Wheel Road Ste. 24 Hinsdale, IL 60521. We serve patients from Chicago IL, Oak Park IL, Lombard IL, Downers Grove IL, Bridgeview IL, and Oak Lawn IL. We are looking forward to serving you!