Gait analysis / related foot issues

[VR99]

I've recently had a corn removed from my right foot and other treatment by a foot specialist. They mentioned I have some element of arthritis in the foot and am also lacking flexibility in the same foot (left foot in better shape).
The specialist suggested a further 'gait analysis' which could be used to obtain prescription orthotics, haven't checked prices yet.

I am a inexperienced runner (completed a few 5k's) but tend to run once a month to give you an idea of how novice etc so I am essentially a beginner who likes to run every now and then however would be ideal If I can maintain running alongside my usual weights in the gym so how worthwhile would it be to have the gait analysis?
I'd be keen to know if anyone else has had gait issues and if you were able to rectify the issues e.g: targeted strength exercises.

I am 40 and having had lower back issues, shoulder/elbow impingements + a desk-based job for the last 16+ years am not surprised these issues are cropping up but would be good to try slowing them down and if feasible put some to rest so any tips or insight is appreciated. I am 1-1.5 stone overweight depending on which chart you base it on...just ahem 'big boned' of course...

Edited by VR99 on Wednesday 13th April 19:28

Edited by VR99 on Wednesday 13th April 19:30

[gregs656]

A few years a go I went to a well respected running shop that did gait analysis. At the time I was having problems with my lower left leg going numb while running.

They identified an over pronation and I bought some Brooks running trainers which were meant to help.

I think I wore them once or twice and never bothered again.

This year I have started running again (a couple of times a week) and have switched to a pair of 'barefoot' style running shoes. I am now sure my problems were from over extending and heel striking.

[VR99]

gregs656 said:

A few years a go I went to a well respected running shop that did gait analysis. At the time I was having problems with my lower left leg going numb while running.

They identified an over pronation and I bought some Brooks running trainers which were meant to help.

I think I wore them once or twice and never bothered again.

This year I have started running again (a couple of times a week) and have switched to a pair of 'barefoot' style running shoes. I am now sure my problems were from over extending and heel striking.

Interesting, I think I am a heel striker too. I've had 2 gait analysis done previously (about 8-10 yrs apart) by the same well known running shop (albeit different branches), both concluded I need 'Neutral' running shoes however from trial and error I've found that neutral 'stable' work better for me; neutral trainers with some stability elements. Anything flimsy especially lacking support in the ankle collar cause me ankle issues. I assume this is partially due to lack of conditioning as I am not an experienced runner but who knows.

I also wonder if a weak core and poor posture due to sitting a lot is contributing to the gait issues and in turn my foot problems.

Edited by VR99 on Wednesday 13th April 19:52

[sawman]

VR99 said:

I also wonder if a weak core and poor posture due to sitting a lot is contributing to the gait issues and in turn my foot problems.

Edited by VR99 on Wednesday 13th April 19:52

Yes, as a starting point work on hamstring and calf flexibility - thats 5 mins stetching twice a day not 30 secs before you go for a run.
neutral stabiliy shoe such as brookes ghost would be a safe place to start. You could chuck a set of superfeet orthotics in if you felt that you were unstable
Where abouts was your corn by the way?

[VR99]

sawman said:

Yes, as a starting point work on hamstring and calf flexibility - thats 5 mins stetching twice a day not 30 secs before you go for a run.
neutral stabiliy shoe such as brookes ghost would be a safe place to start. You could chuck a set of superfeet orthotics in if you felt that you were unstable
Where abouts was your corn by the way?

Thanks will try that, I do stretch a little before and after each run. I've also included hamstring and calf stretches after weights as I tend to be quite 'tight' in the hip flexors and lower back generally.

I have a few pairs of neutral stable-ish running shoes already:
Mizuno Waverider 22's - once my go-to but feel the sole has firmed up a bit so don't use much now.
My usual pair are ASICS Cumulus 22's, really like these and been using since year. I also have a pair of Cumulus 21's, hardly used but much firmer than the 22's so don't get much use now.
Do you think there is value in getting the gait analysis done by the foot specialist?

[dave_s13]

Corns are often verrucas masquerading as such. You can excise them, but they often grow back. Treating them as verrucas can often be successful though.

Gait analysis is more of an art than science, in my experience, and you can get all manner of complicated bullst thrown at you by folk trying to either massage their ego or sell you some expensive orthoses.

General strength and conditioning isn't that hard, deadlifts, squats, overhead press, bench press are the main movements to master. Join a gym that has a strength and conditioning focus.

Saying that there are some decent podiatrists that will assess your running style etc and give you a programme +- orthotics.

Ps I'm a podiatrist that used to work in msk... so your sort of issues, you could access this via the NHS but I left clinical practice a month before covid to work in the clinical systems support of my trust and I'm not sure what access looks like at the moment.

[sawman]

Depends what you are trying to fix.
If you have a recurrent pain or something that is continuing to grumble then a gait analysis may be helpful.
But if you are tight in hams/ calf they will almost certainly recommend some form of orthotic.
In reality most of the benefit will come from your stretching regime ( the orthotic will not help so much if you havent put the time in stretching)
You would probably get 90% of the effect of a custom built orthotic from a set of £40 superfeet insoles

[gregs656]

Do you walk much? So good for you and would start to combat a lot of sitting.

Sounds like you have a pretty good idea what's up. Maybe a more structured approach to running would allow your body some time to strengthen up.

Improving your form so you're not heel striking is a game changer.

[VR99]

dave_s13 said:

Corns are often verrucas masquerading as such. You can excise them, but they often grow back. Treating them as verrucas can often be successful though.

Gait analysis is more of an art than science, in my experience, and you can get all manner of complicated bullst thrown at you by folk trying to either massage their ego or sell you some expensive orthoses.

General strength and conditioning isn't that hard, deadlifts, squats, overhead press, bench press are the main movements to master. Join a gym that has a strength and conditioning focus.

Saying that there are some decent podiatrists that will assess your running style etc and give you a programme +- orthotics.

Ps I'm a podiatrist that used to work in msk... so your sort of issues, you could access this via the NHS but I left clinical practice a month before covid to work in the clinical systems support of my trust and I'm not sure what access looks like at the moment.

Initially tried the GP but was told they can't help and I need to go private etc
I tend to use bench, lot of pull-ups ,rows etc However surprise surprise... cannot squat, lack of mobility in the ankles which I assume is linked to tight hip flexors so this is an area I need to focus on and improve.

[VR99]

sawman said:

Depends what you are trying to fix.
If you have a recurrent pain or something that is continuing to grumble then a gait analysis may be helpful.
But if you are tight in hams/ calf they will almost certainly recommend some form of orthotic.
In reality most of the benefit will come from your stretching regime ( the orthotic will not help so much if you havent put the time in stretching)
You would probably get 90% of the effect of a custom built orthotic from a set of £40 superfeet insoles

I may just look into the superfeet insoles, bit wary getting dragged into expensive analysis and having to continually buy custom orthotics

[VR99]

gregs656 said:

Do you walk much? So good for you and would start to combat a lot of sitting.

Sounds like you have a pretty good idea what's up. Maybe a more structured approach to running would allow your body some time to strengthen up.

Improving your form so you're not heel striking is a game changer.

Funny enough, I started walking more this year (the corn has been there far longer). It's been over 2 years since switching to WFH..... certainly took its toll on overall health due to far less movement each week and I guess never quite offset the lower activity by using daily walks, increasing gym sessions etc Trying to rectify this now and I should be starting to go into the office more soon so that should help.
Good point on the structuring of running....I've never actually used any structure on the training or proper prep before ...never did any training for my first 5k, did slightly more for the next one but will use YouTube as seems to be plenty of useful resources on there.

[ian in lancs]

where are you? This guy comes highly recommended - https://www.lancashirerunner.co.uk

[VR99]

ian in lancs said:

where are you? This guy comes highly recommended - https://www.lancashirerunner.co.uk

London/Essex I'm afraid but cheers anyway for the recommendation

[sawman]

London based: https://www.premierpodiatry.com/about-us/meet-the-...

Or https://www.londonpodiatry.com/

[dave_s13]

You can't really go wrong with one of Sawmans links above.

[gregs656]

VR99 said:

Funny enough, I started walking more this year (the corn has been there far longer). It's been over 2 years since switching to WFH..... certainly took its toll on overall health due to far less movement each week and I guess never quite offset the lower activity by using daily walks, increasing gym sessions etc Trying to rectify this now and I should be starting to go into the office more soon so that should help.
Good point on the structuring of running....I've never actually used any structure on the training or proper prep before ...never did any training for my first 5k, did slightly more for the next one but will use YouTube as seems to be plenty of useful resources on there.

Nor did I, just used to go and run 5k and get shin splints or what ever. I had the cardio capacity for the distance but I wasn't conditioned for running. I'd just constantly try and trim my time down.

It's silly really because we've all seen people in the gym who have the strength for an exercise but no skill in it, they can muscle through it but eventually it will catch them out - we know that isn't the right way to go about it, and there is no shame dropping the weight and nailing the form. Running is no different, it's a complex movement and you can easily injure your self.

[VR99]

sawman said:

London based: https://www.premierpodiatry.com/about-us/meet-the-...

Or https://www.londonpodiatry.com/

Cheers, will see how I get along after increasing training and mobility exercises...if the corn becomes a recurring issue then consider the podiatrist as next option.

[LeadFarmer]

I once suffered extremely painful back problems after lifting something heavy, that were all related to my foot.
Went to an chiropractor hardly able to walk and bent over double (me, not him) and he immediately started working on my foot. I thought he had gone crazy and planned never to return to him. A few moments later I was stood upright and pain free.

He said I had a fallen arch in my foot that had been causing my knee to lean inwards as I walked, putting pressure on my back. My back had been waiting for me to do something stupid so it could fail, which it did.

He corrected my foot and did gait analysis which involved walking over a pad that sent images to a PC showing how my foot fall, then from this I had an orthotic insole made. Problem cured.