Gait Analysis in Vancouver

How your feet function while you walk can provide useful information about your foot mechanics and lower-extremity movement. At Vancouver Orthotics, gait analysis may form part of a broader foot and biomechanical assessment with Dr. Michael Horowitz & Associates.

Depending on the clinic location and your individual assessment, this may include observation of your walking mechanics, evaluation of foot structure and movement, a 3D digital foot scan and, at select locations, a 2D electronic walking gait scan.

The goal is to better understand how your feet function and whether factors related to foot mechanics, gait or footwear may be relevant to your symptoms and treatment recommendations.

What Is Gait Analysis?

Gait refers to the way a person walks. A gait analysis examines aspects of movement that occur as the feet contact the ground and the body moves forward.

Rather than looking only at the shape of the foot while it is stationary, gait assessment provides information about how the feet and lower extremities function during movement.

A clinical gait and biomechanical assessment may consider factors such as foot movement, walking pattern, alignment, symmetry and how the feet function through different phases of walking.

These findings are interpreted together with your symptoms, health history, footwear, activity level and the other components of your examination.

2D Electronic Walking Gait Scan

Vancouver Orthotics offers 2D electronic walking gait scanning at select clinic locations.

During the scan, you walk across a digital scanning platform. The system records information as your feet interact with the platform during walking, providing additional information that can be considered alongside your clinical foot and biomechanical assessment.

This is a walking-platform assessment. It is not a treadmill-based or camera/video running analysis.

The electronic gait scan is one component of an assessment and does not replace the clinical examination or 3D digital foot scanning when those are appropriate.

Electronic walking gait scanning is currently available at our Head Office, Victoria and Coquitlam/Tri-Cities locations. Technology and services may vary by clinic, so please confirm availability when booking if you specifically require an electronic gait scan.

Gait Analysis and 3D Foot Scanning: What's the Difference?

Gait analysis and 3D foot scanning provide different types of information.

Gait Analysis

Gait analysis focuses on how your feet and lower extremities function during movement. At locations equipped with our electronic walking platform, information is collected while you walk across the scanning surface.

3D Digital Foot Scan

A 3D digital foot scan creates a three-dimensional representation of the shape and structure of your feet. This information can be used as part of your foot assessment and, when custom orthotics are prescribed, the custom orthotic process.

Because these technologies evaluate different aspects of the feet, information from gait assessment, 3D scanning and the clinical examination can be considered together when appropriate.

Gait Analysis and Custom Orthotics

Gait analysis does not automatically mean that you need custom orthotics.

When assessing whether custom orthotics may be appropriate, Dr. Michael Horowitz & Associates consider the overall findings from your examination. This may include your symptoms, foot structure, biomechanics, gait, footwear, activities and digital scanning information.

If custom orthotics are prescribed, the goal is to develop an individualized prescription based on the findings of your assessment and your particular footwear and activity needs.

Learn more about custom orthotics pricing and assessment fees.

What Can a Gait and Biomechanical Assessment Look For?

There is no single "normal" walking pattern that applies identically to every person. A gait and biomechanical assessment is therefore interpreted in the context of the individual patient rather than relying on one measurement alone.

Depending on your reason for attending, the assessment may consider:

The significance of any finding depends on your individual symptoms, examination and clinical history.

Foot and Lower-Extremity Concerns

Assessment of gait and foot biomechanics may provide useful information for patients experiencing a variety of foot and lower-extremity concerns.

These may include:

Gait findings alone do not establish the cause of these conditions. They are considered as one part of the overall assessment.

For example, learn more about our approach to non-surgical bunion treatment and custom orthotics.

Running Gait Analysis

People searching for running gait analysis are often interested in understanding how their feet and lower extremities function during activity.

At Vancouver Orthotics, your activity and running history can be considered as part of your foot and biomechanical assessment. However, our 2D electronic gait scanning system is a walking platform rather than a treadmill or camera-based running laboratory.

If running is an important part of your reason for attending, let us know when booking and bring the footwear you normally use for running or exercise.

Do I Need a Podiatrist for Gait Analysis?

Foot and gait assessments may be provided by different regulated health professionals depending on the setting and the reason for the examination.

Vancouver Orthotics is not a podiatry clinic. Assessments at Vancouver Orthotics are provided by Dr. Michael Horowitz & Associates, Doctors of Chiropractic, with a special interest in custom orthotics, foot biomechanics and gait assessment.

If your examination identifies findings that may require assessment or treatment outside the services we provide, an appropriate referral or additional evaluation may be recommended.

What Happens During a Foot and Gait Assessment?

1. Discuss Your Symptoms and Activities

We'll review the reason for your visit, relevant history, activities, footwear and the symptoms or concerns that brought you in.

2. Foot and Biomechanical Assessment

Your examination may include assessment of foot structure, movement, range of motion, posture and lower-extremity biomechanics as appropriate.

3. Digital Assessment

Depending on the location and your individual assessment, digital technology may include a 3D foot scan and/or 2D electronic walking gait scan.

4. Review of Findings and Recommendations

Your findings are considered together and discussed with you. If custom orthotics are appropriate, an individualized prescription can be developed based on the assessment and your footwear and activity needs.

What Should I Bring to My Assessment?

Bring the footwear you wear most often, particularly shoes related to the activities or symptoms you would like assessed. If you run or participate in sports, consider bringing the footwear used for those activities.

If you currently wear custom orthotics or other inserts, bring them as well so they can be reviewed.

Insurance and Digital Scanning

Extended health insurance requirements for custom orthotics vary between insurers and individual benefit plans. Some plans may have specific requirements concerning examinations, prescriptions, casting or scanning methods and supporting documentation.

We recommend checking directly with your insurance provider before ordering custom orthotics to confirm your eligibility, reimbursement limits and documentation requirements.

Gait Analysis FAQ

Is gait analysis the same as a 3D foot scan?

No. Gait analysis evaluates aspects of how the feet and lower extremities function during movement. A 3D foot scan creates a three-dimensional representation of the feet. The two can provide complementary information as part of a broader assessment.

Is your electronic gait analysis done on a treadmill?

No. Our 2D electronic gait scan uses a digital platform that the patient walks across. We do not describe this service as treadmill or camera-based gait analysis.

Is electronic gait scanning available at every Vancouver Orthotics location?

No. Our 2D electronic walking gait platform is available at select locations, currently including our Head Office, Victoria and Coquitlam/Tri-Cities clinics. Please confirm availability when booking if you specifically want an electronic gait scan.

Do I need custom orthotics if my gait analysis shows something unusual?

Not necessarily. Gait findings are only one part of the assessment. Recommendations are based on your symptoms, examination, foot structure, biomechanics, footwear, activities and other relevant findings.

Can you assess runners?

Your running, exercise and sporting activities can be discussed and considered during your assessment. Our electronic gait platform evaluates walking rather than providing treadmill- or camera-based running analysis.

Can gait analysis help diagnose the cause of my pain?

Gait analysis can provide information about movement and foot mechanics, but it is not used by itself to determine the cause of pain. Findings need to be considered together with your history and clinical examination.

Should I bring my shoes?

Yes. Bring footwear you commonly wear, especially shoes associated with your work, exercise or symptoms. If you already use orthotics, bring those as well.

Ready to Have Your Feet and Gait Assessed?

Dr. Michael Horowitz & Associates provide foot and biomechanical assessments at multiple Vancouver Orthotics clinic locations.

If you specifically want a 2D electronic walking gait scan, please confirm availability when booking, as the scanning platform is available only at select locations.

Information on this page is provided for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for an individual clinical assessment or medical diagnosis.