Footscan & Gait Analysis

Footscan Gait Analysis

Our footscan service uses pressure-plate technology to analyse the forces passing through your feet during walking and running. The scan creates a real-time pressure map of your foot mechanics, which our clinicians use to identify biomechanical problems that may be contributing to pain in your feet, ankles, knees, hips or lower back.

Why We Use Footscan

Footscan has been utilised in more than 3,000 scientific studies and is trusted by state-of-the-art movement labs and elite sports teams worldwide, from Team GB to Manchester City FC.

• Professionally approved: Footscan is the first and only gait analysis technology to be ‘Professionally Approved’ by the Royal College of Podiatry, meaning that it meets the highest clinical standards.
• Data-driven healthcare: Footscan quantifies what the eye cannot see, allowing us to take your gait analysis and orthotic prescriptions to the next level with accurate, objective data.
• High-speed scanning: The high scanning frequency and sensor resolution of Footscan ensure accuracy in our data acquisition and repeatability.
• Wide range of analysis tools: Enhanced 2D and 3D visualisations enable us to clearly communicate your movement data and directly compare it against other scans.

When Is Gait Analysis Useful?

• Persistent plantar fasciitis or heel pain that has not responded to treatment
• Recurring sports injuries, particularly in the lower limbs
• Knee pain related to poor lower limb mechanics (patellofemoral pain, IT band syndrome)
• Bunions or forefoot pain
• Back pain suspected to be related to lower limb biomechanics
• Flat feet, overpronation or high arches causing symptoms

Custom Orthotics

Based on your footscan findings and clinical assessment, our clinicians can prescribe bespoke custom orthotics. These are manufactured specifically to your foot shape and gait pattern, correcting the biomechanical problems identified during your assessment. They are designed to fit inside your everyday footwear and do not require specialist shoes.

Bespoke orthotics provide far more targeted support than standard off-the-shelf insoles, which are made to general specifications rather than your individual foot mechanics.

Data-Driven Design and Optimal Accuracy

Traditional orthotics are typically designed using your static foot shape, whereas Phits are the world’s first 3D printed orthotics which are specifically designed based on your dynamic gait analysis using Footscan.

Phits are accurate to the nearest 0.1mm with no room for error in the manufacturing process, providing tailored support and cushioning where you need it most. This ensures exact replicas can be produced if you require a second pair.

Phits are less than half the weight of traditional orthotics whilst offering extreme durability and comfort, whether you are walking, running or playing sports.

Regardless of your age or activity level, Phits offers specific designs to cater for your footwear; such as walking, running, football, golf, cycling, skiing and workwear.

Our 5-Step Digital Orthotics Workflow

Step 1: Measurement

We will take you through a detailed Footscan assessment to analyse your standing posture, balance and gait, capturing multiple left and right foot strikes.

Step 2: Analysis

Our expert clinician will observe how your feet function during your natural gait to identify any asymmetries or abnormalities in your foot pressure, timings and stability. We will then suggest the most suitable treatment pathway to assist you moving forward.

Step 3: Design

Following your analysis, if deemed appropriate, we will design you a bespoke pair of Phits orthotics which will be 3D printed to meet your exact specifications using the dynamic data from your Footscan assessment.

Step 4: 3D Print

Your orthotics will be 3D printed, quality controlled and personalised by our team at Materialise, the industry front-runners in 3D printed orthotic manufacture.

Step 5: Fitting

After a couple of weeks, you will return to the clinic and fit your new orthotics to optimise your foot function and comfort with every step.

FAQs on Phits

Do Phits fit into every shoe?

Phits orthotics fit into the majority of shoe types, including specifically adapted designs for football, running, cycling, golf and skiing for optimal functionality. There are also options for narrower day-to-day footwear and even tailored safety insoles for workers’ boots.

Can Phits be customised?

Yes! All Phits insoles can be customised with a 3D print engraved name on the rear of the heel cup for that added touch of personalisation.

What about maintenance?

Phits are very easy to maintain as they do not absorb moisture. Therefore, they can be easily cleaned. Concerned that the top cover is wearing down? No problem, all top covers can be refurbished here in our UK lab.

The Assessment Process

The footscan takes just a few minutes. You walk across a pressure-sensitive plate, and the scanner records the forces under your feet in real time. Your clinician reviews the results alongside a clinical examination and will explain what they mean for your symptoms and treatment.

Gait analysis can be combined with shockwave therapy, manual therapy, rehabilitation exercises or other treatments as part of a comprehensive care plan.

Serving Patients from Across Essex and East London

Our Woodford Green and Chigwell clinics are easily accessible from South Woodford, Buckhurst Hill, Loughton, Hainault, Wanstead, Walthamstow and surrounding areas. Evening and Saturday appointments are available.