Scan, Step, Print: What Happens During a Fitstation Gait Analysis

Key Takeaways:

Gait analysis can reveal walking patterns and areas of excessive pressure that contribute to foot pain and other problems. Advanced technology, including 3D foot scanning and pressure mapping, provides the information our Austin podiatrists use to design custom orthotics tailored to your feet. Although gait analysis isn't necessary for everyone who needs orthotics, it can be especially valuable when foot pain persists, movement is uncomfortable, or the underlying cause of your symptoms isn't clear.

If you're curious about why your feet hurt after a long walk or pain keeps returning despite changing shoes or trying different off-the-shelf inserts, the answer may lie in how your feet move when you walk. Even subtle differences in how they absorb weight, maintain balance, and propel you forward place extra stress on certain muscles and joints.

Over time, that repeated strain contributes to heel pain, arch discomfort, and other problems that interfere with your daily activities.

At Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists, our podiatrists use the advanced Fitstation system to achieve a more complete picture of how your feet function. By combining a 3D foot scan, pressure measurements, and a thorough clinical examination, we identify potential sources of discomfort and determine whether custom orthotics may help. 

How Is Fitstation Gait Analysis Different From a Standard Orthotic Evaluation?

Both approaches begin with a thorough examination of your feet, a discussion of your symptoms, and an assessment of your needs. Here’s how they vary in scope.

What Does a Standard Evaluation Include?

A typical evaluation covers your symptoms, medical history, and footwear. Our podiatry team then assesses joint motion, muscle strength, and foot posture, and observes you as you stand and walk. We also often take a mold or impression of your feet and build the orthotic from it. 

What Will a Fitstation Analysis Add?

Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists’ Fitstation system pairs a 3D foot scanner with a pressure plate and software. The scanner captures a three-dimensional image of your feet up to the ankle and records length, width, arch height, and other measurements. 

What Happens During a Fitstation Appointment?

Getting fitted for custom orthotics shouldn't be uncomfortable or complicated. Fitstation uses noninvasive scanning technology to gather detailed information about your feet without messy plaster casts or foam impressions. Here's what to expect with this advanced system.

1. Exam and history. Our doctors review your symptoms, activities, and footwear to better understand your needs and determine whether custom orthotics may help.
2. 3D scan. You stand on a glass platform while nine laser-guided cameras capture detailed images of your feet up to the ankles. The software divides each foot into 10 regions to measure its shape, dimensions, and arch height.
3. Walking test. You walk across a pressure plate that measures when different areas of your feet contact the ground, how long they remain in contact, and how pressure shifts throughout your walking cycle.
4. Prescription. The software combines the scanning and pressure data to help develop a custom orthotic prescription. Your podiatrist adjusts the recommendations based on your symptoms, activities, footwear, and lifestyle.
5. 3D printing. Your orthotics are manufactured using 3D printing technology rather than traditional molding methods. Their specialized design provides targeted support while producing a thin, lightweight device that fits comfortably in many types of shoes.

Do You Need a Gait Analysis Before Getting Custom Orthotics?

Not always. Many people with mild, short-term discomfort improve with proper shoes, stretching, or temporary drugstore inserts. A gait analysis is most useful when the cause of your pain is unclear, or the problem hasn’t improved with a more conservative care approach.

When It May Help Most?

A measured gait analysis may add value if you have:

• Heel or arch pain that keeps returning.
• Pain in the ball of the foot or under the toes.
• Overpronation, where the foot rolls too far inward.
• Flat feet or high arches that change how weight is distributed.
• A job or sport that keeps you on your feet for hours.

People with diabetes have another reason to ask about a more comprehensive analysis. Pressure patterns matter when skin is at risk of breaking down, and orthotics for diabetic feet are prescribed with that in mind.

What Can’t a Gait Analysis Do?

A scan and pressure map don’t diagnose a condition on their own: they’re tools that support a clinical exam, not replacements for it. Orthotics also don’t fix every problem. Some patients still need stretching, strengthening, injections, or other care, and results vary from person to person.

How Do Gait-Based Orthotics Compare With Store-Bought Inserts?

Store-bought insoles can be a good starting point if you're looking for extra cushioning or general arch support. They're affordable, readily available, and may provide enough relief for mild foot discomfort. However, because they're designed to fit a wide range of feet, they can't address every individual's unique foot structure, walking pattern, or source of pain.

Custom orthotics take a more personalized approach to relieving foot pain and improving comfort. Rather than simply adding cushioning, they're prescribed by a podiatrist to address your specific needs. Gait analysis provides valuable information about how your feet move and where excess pressure develops, allowing your podiatrist to design orthotics that support your feet, redistribute pressure, and improve how they function. 

What Should You Ask Before Getting Custom Orthotics From Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists?

Our medical devices help manage a variety of foot and lower leg conditions, including, but not limited to: 

• Plantar fasciitis
• Metatarsalgia or pain in the ball of your foot
• Morton's neuroma
• Medial tibial stress syndrome or shin splints 

Because foot mechanics also influence how your knees, hips, and lower back function, properly prescribed orthotics may, in some cases, help relieve discomfort beyond your feet.

However, the effectiveness of medical inserts depends on identifying the underlying cause of your symptoms and choosing the right treatment approach. Before getting fitted, ask our podiatrist these important questions:

1. What’s causing my pain, and are custom orthotics the right treatment?
2. How will gait analysis or pressure measurements help personalize my orthotic prescription?
3. What other treatments might help if orthotics alone don't provide relief?
4. How will we evaluate whether my orthotics are working and make adjustments if needed?

At Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists, we combine considerable podiatric expertise with innovative technology to go beyond simply treating your symptoms. The goal? Lasting relief, improved mobility, and a return to the activities you love with greater comfort and confidence.