Champneys Medical has launched a new foot and gait scanning service to help patients identify the cause of painful aches and pains that can be caused by the way a person walks or runs. Thanks to the scanner’s practical and portable design it is available at all Champneys resorts across the UK.

The foot and gait scan - which costs just £45 for a half hour service - uses a computerised pressure plate to measure the distribution of force throughout the foot during each step. The innovative analysis tool is then able to produce detailed results to diagnose abnormal foot biomechanics.

This potentially life-changing service can help to diagnose symptoms of faulty foot mechanics including localised foot pain; bunions; hammer toes; arch, heel, leg, and knee pain; and even hip, back and neck pain.

Once the result of the analysis is complete Champneys Medical can offer advice about the diagnosis and will determine if bespoke orthotics are required. Orthotics can then be custom-made to correct a patient’s specific foot imbalance; they fit comfortably in shoes and are taken from a precise impression of the feet.

Emma James, Champneys physiotherapist explains: “The foot is in contact with the ground for .8 of a second when walking and about .25 seconds when running, so it is impossible to determine normal or abnormal foot function by simply looking. The new foot and gain scan service scientifically records the foot’s mechanics as a patient walks or runs across the pressure plate. With a foot and gait scan and the right orthotics patients who have suffered for years with unexplained aches and pains can finally find a solution.”

For further information about Champneys’ Medical services Tel: 01442 291105, Email: tringspa@champneys.com, or visit www.champneys.com