Gait Analysis In The Snow-What Does It Mean?
Michelle and I got up after a nice 10 hour sleep to go for a run. We both ran 10 yesterday, so today’s run was an easy pace. It was only 5 degrees according to the news. We put on our layers and headed out to the running path.
We ran out and back and followed our tracks back to the room. Last year I spent almost a full year suffering from plantar fasciitis on my left foot. I went through massage, yoga, new orthodics, cortisone shot, physical therapy and time off. The phsical therapy and time off gave me some relief. Through PT, I had gait analysis. We took video of me running on the treadmill and made some interesting discoveries. 1. I’m working harder on the right side 2. I’m not getting as much lift on the left side with the hamstring (rear view) 3. The left foot toes in at the last moment (front view). What my PT and I think is happening is that my left glutes are weaker. The other thing is that I pronote more on the right, so the left side is trying to match the pronation by moving the hip and ankle to get an even strike.
What I noticed today is the I am dragging my right foot. I don’t quite understand why. It feel like I’m so much stronger on the right and yet I am dragging this foot . I feel like I am not dorsi-flexing equally on the left. The left side feels so much looser. I truly believe that I’m a little twisted in my pelvis because I keep having these alignment issues. My massage therapist says that my body feels different. It’s hard acheiving balance. I think this is why the longer distances are hard on my body.
Has anyone else experienced anything similar? Can you shed some light on this subject?
Workout:
- Type: Run
- Date: 03/29/2008
- Time: 08:47:37
- Total Time: 00:44:52.00
- Average Heart rate: 147
- Max Heart rate: 176
- Calories: 350
- Distance: 5 miles
- Average Pace: 8:58.12/mile
Does anyone else have this problem? I know we are not all symetrical. Maybe the problems appear when you push your body to it’s limits. I guess marathon is the limit for me. No ultras are in my future!
Although I got a late start, I’ve been a serious runner since 1994. I ran my first marathon in 1995 on my 30th Birthday. It’s been my goal to run the Boston Marathon since then. I missed qualifying by 12 minutes that year. I needed to run 3:40 and ran 3:52. Running in the most prestigious marathon, is the ultimate for most runners. The fact that you have to qualify, only fueled my competitive juices.
Over the next 9 years I ran 6 more marathons. I love running so much that I became a 
6 comments:
i’ve never had a gait analysis but i’ve seen still pictures where i have odd things going on. i think my left foot kind of floats while on the “recovery” so it can be at odd angles. mostly i try not to think about it :o)
Two questions:
1. Do you have a copy of that video to post & help explain what all those long words mean
2. If you were dragging your right foot today, do you think yesterday’s falls & cold bath might have something to do with it?
I’ve got nothing, Lisa.
But like Karl, some video would help.
And this got me to thinking about my gait. I definitely should have the local (it’s local, but waaaaay on the other side of town) running shop tape me for a few minutes. But the only time I can get down there is Saturday afternoons. After my longest run of the week.
I think I have some similar symmetry problems as I can’t seem so to shake this nagging foot injury. It’s my right foot only and had me limping home yesterday after only 5 miles. I don’t have any words of wisdom I guess, but I did want to ask you if you have a good referral for a podiatrist (who’s also a runner) in the Seattle area? If so, can you send contact info for me?
I do know of people having similar issues due to discrepancies in leg length. Any possibility you have a small difference there and your gait is trying to compensate for it by twisting your pelvis a bit?
Sure, I think that there is compensation for a twist. I also know that whenever you take a fall you can get out of alignment. I’ll go see my chiro and get another massage before the marathon. What else can I do? I got one more long run tomorrow before the marathon. I’ll go with what I got.
You have raised some very interesting questions. Take a look at this short article Symmetry – Asymmetry: Problem Solving Repetitive Use Injuries. http://www.damienhowellpt.com/pdf/symmetry.pdf This may give you some ideas or direction as to why you move asymmetrically when you run.
Assuming your Physical Therapist is correct that the weak gluteal muscles are contributing to this observed asymmetry the challenge is what to do about it. An over simplified way to address the asymmetry is to make an assumption that the right side is moving correctly, and to strive to move the left side in the same manner. Conciously correcting the movement fault may help strengthen the weakness (gluteal muscles)
Of course you will need repeat slow motion video analysis to determine it you are successful. http://www.damienhowellpt.com/ma_video_analysis.html Slow motion video technology is becoming more readily available. In addition to expert analysis alot can be learned from self analysis.
Damien Howell MS, PT, OCS
Damien Howell MS, PT, OCS