Foot Pain and Your Gait: How the Way You Walk Could Be Causing Your Symptoms
When your feet hurt, it’s easy to assume the problem lies directly beneath you, but the truth is, the way you walk, your posture, and your overall gait could be the hidden culprit.
Gait is the way your body moves when you walk or run. It involves not only your feet but your ankles, knees, hips, and even your lower back. A misalignment or irregularity anywhere along this chain can cause pain and wear in places you may not expect.
At Ferro Foot & Ankle, we believe in looking at the full picture, not just the pain point. Let’s break down why your gait matters, what to look for, and how we can help you walk, and live, better.
What is Gait, and Why Does It Matter?
Gait refers to your walking pattern. It's how your body distributes weight, moves through each step, and transitions from heel strike to toe-off. A normal gait keeps your body balanced and efficient. But many people develop irregular gait patterns due to:
Flat feet or high arches
Uneven leg length
Old injuries
Poorly fitting shoes
Muscle imbalances or tightness
Even subtle changes in your gait can lead to ongoing pain and joint stress. For example, if your arch collapses when you walk, your ankle might roll inward (pronation), which can affect your knees and hips over time.
Common Signs Your Gait May Be Off
You might not notice gait issues until symptoms show up. Here are some red flags to watch for:
Chronic foot, heel, or arch pain
Knee or hip discomfort that worsens with activity
Back pain that improves when you sit but returns when you stand
Uneven shoe wear (more on one side than the other)
Feeling off-balance or unstable when walking
How Gait Affects the Rest of Your Body
Foot pain isn’t always just about your feet. If your gait is misaligned, it changes how pressure moves through your joints. Over time, this can lead to:
Plantar fasciitis
Achilles tendonitis
Bunions or hammertoes
Shin splints
Lower back pain
Gait imbalances often lead to compensation patterns. For example, if one foot hurts, you might shift your weight to the other side, leading to pain in the opposite hip or knee.
The Role of Gait Analysis in Your Care
At Ferro Foot & Ankle, we take a comprehensive approach. Gait analysis allows us to assess how your body moves in real time. We look at posture, joint angles, stride length, and more. From there, we can:
Identify pressure points
Recommend supportive footwear or custom orthotics
Suggest targeted physical therapy or stretching
Prevent further injuries or complications
What You Can Do Now
If you’re dealing with unexplained pain or suspect something’s off with your walking pattern, don’t wait. Early intervention can prevent long-term issues. You don’t need to be an athlete to benefit from gait analysis, it’s for anyone who wants to move better and feel better.
We’re here to help. Schedule your gait evaluation today at www.ferrofootandankle.com or call us at 812.286.2500. Let’s get you back on your feet.