Because variations from the ideal gait pattern can contribute
to injury, part of the physiotherapy management is to assess running gait.
Juliana assesses her patients gait both visually and
with video analysis.
From a side view the following can be observed:
1. Assymetrical
gait, usually a shorter step length on the injured side.
2. Excessive
pelvic rotation
From in front and behind:
1. excessive
trunk rotation
2. excessive
pelvic drop
3. Poor
timing / excessive motion into supination or pronation of the foot
In addition to
treatment directed at the symptoms such as: massage, ultrasound, strapping / taping, physiotherapy will attempt to address
the contributing factors such as strength, co-ordination, stability, flexibility and foot posture.
Often foot posture
can be corrected with the appropriate footwear. People who over-pronate or pronate late into the running cycle often manage
well with a more supportive shoe in order to control foot position. Whilst those with a more supinated gait tend to respond
to a more cushioned type trainer
