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Part 1 of our gait discussion ended with a description of basic foot types and how these different types may decrease an individual’s shock absorption capacity.  Part two of this topic will cover the ankle and issues related to the spine and pelvis, which are commonly seen in the orthopedic physical therapy realm.

Ankle:  Limited Range of Motion

The ankle is a hinge joint that is capable of moving through both plantarflexion (pointing the foot) and dorsiflexion (pulling the foot toward one’s head).

While both motions are vital for normal gait, plantarflexion is rarely seen as a major problem, except for maybe after ankle related surgery.  Dorsiflexion, on the other hand, is commonly restricted in the normal population and can adversely affect gait mechanics.

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Gait analysis or the study of the human walking cycle is an important component of the physical therapy examination and is useful for identifying potential causes of dysfunction and pain.  As a physical therapist, I use gait analysis with nearly every new patient and with current patients in order to assess baseline performance and changes that may occur with treatment. 

A healthy, balanced gait cycle is extremely important for preserving tissue integrity throughout the body and preventing painful conditions often associated with an abnormal gait pattern.  Such conditions often include spinal pain, scoliosis, hip and knee joint pain, foot pain, bursitis, tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, heel spurs and bunions to name a few!

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