Abnormal Gait
Abnormal gait or a walking abnormality is when a person is unable to walk in the usual way. This may be due to injuries, underlying conditions, or problems with the legs and feet.
“Gait” means the way a person walks. Abnormal gait or gait abnormality occurs when the body systems that control the way a person walks do not function in the usual way.
This may happen due to any of the following reasons:
- illness
- genetic factors
- injury
- abnormalities in the legs or feet
In some cases, gait abnormalities may clear up on their own. In other cases, an abnormal gait may be permanent. In either case, physical therapy can help improve a person’s gait and reduce any uncomfortable symptoms.
Our Custom Foot Orthotics Process
Step 1 – The History
A clinical history of the patient is conducted to consider all health and lifestyle factors that may be contributing to the complaint. The history is designed to gain an understanding of the patient/the patients’ condition and is an essential prelude in guiding a comprehensive examination. In addition, the practitioner should also investigate and take into account patient body type, patient activity and patient shoe type.
Step 2 – Non-Weight-Bearing Examination
The initial foot examination first in a non- weight-bearing position will allow the practitioner to assess: the overall condition of the superficial areas of the feet (i.e. calluses, bunions, plantar warts etc.), the integrity of the arches of the foot in the non-weight-bearing position, and the non-weight bearing ranges of motion of the joints of the foot and ankle.
Step 3 – Weight Bearing
This part of the exam allows the practitioner to assess the patient while standing and while in the different phases of the gait (walking) cycle. Foot and body biomechanics are assessed as they pertain to the patient’s complaint. It is during this part of the examination that the practitioner can observe the biomechanical patterns that develop while the patient is on their feet and correlate them to how they are contributing to the patient’s complaint.
Step 4- Digital Gait Scan & Foot Casting
A casting of the patient’s foot in a neutral, non-weight-bearing position supported by 3 D digital scan of the foot while in its normal gait (walking) phase will be taken. This will allow the practitioner to leverage technology and old-fashioned hands-on skill to build your best possible foot orthotic. The impression is used to craft the final orthotic for the ultimate custom foot support.
Step 5 – Integration
The findings in the first 4 phases of the Process are integrated by the practitioner and sent to the lab to produce a custom foot orthotic to the individual specifications of the patient. Once produced the patient is fitted and reassessed with the foot orthotics Patient education as to the proper use of the devices and any other pertinent body/foot home care advice is explained to the patient to achieve the best results in the treatment of their condition.