Service
Pressure Plate System
Understanding precisely how your feet function during everyday movement is central to diagnosing the true cause of foot, ankle, knee, hip, and lower back pain. At West Bridgford Podiatry, we use the Footscan system by RSscan, one of the most advanced and widely validated pressure plate technologies in clinical podiatry, to capture objective, high-resolution data about the way your feet behave during walking. This information sits at the heart of our diagnostic process and directly informs our orthotic prescriptions and treatment planning.
Pressure Plate System
Why Is Gait Analysis Important?
When you walk, your foot is in contact with the ground for approximately 0.8 of a second. During running, this drops to around 0.25 of a second. Attempting to observe and accurately interpret foot function within that fraction of time is beyond even the most experienced clinician relying on visual assessment alone. The RSscan Footscan system solves this by recording every element of the gait cycle at exceptional resolution, giving your podiatrist the clear, detailed picture needed to make fully informed clinical decisions.
How Does the Footscan System Work?
The RSscan Footscan pressure plate is a sensor-embedded mat containing thousands of pressure sensors. During your assessment, you walk across the plate at your natural, comfortable pace. The system records:
- The distribution of pressure across every region of your foot throughout the stance phase
- The timing and sequence of how different areas of your foot contact and leave the ground
- Differences in pressure and timing between your left and right foot
- Total contact time and the phases of loading during each footstep
The collected data is displayed as a detailed visual pressure map and timing graph, which your podiatrist will review with you and use to explain their clinical findings in clear, accessible terms.
What Can Gait Analysis Identify?
Pressure plate analysis can reveal a range of clinically significant findings, including:
- Excessive pronation causing increased medial loading
- Supination and reduced arch contact with the ground
- Areas of high plantar pressure contributing to pain or callus formation
- Asymmetrical gait patterns producing one-sided injury patterns
- Late or early heel lift affecting forefoot loading
- Insufficient pressure distribution suggesting reduced cushioning capacity or poor footwear
How Does Gait Analysis Guide Treatment?
The data produced by the Footscan system directly informs our clinical decisions across multiple treatment pathways:
- For patients receiving prefabricated orthotics: the data helps us select the most appropriate device for your pressure profile and foot type
- For patients receiving Phits 3D-printed orthotics: the scan data is submitted directly to the Phits manufacturing system, which uses it to design a bespoke lattice structure uniquely tailored to your pressure pattern
- For patients who do not require orthotics: the findings inform our footwear recommendations and self-management advice
Related Services
Pressure plate gait analysis is a core component of our Biomechanical Assessment service and the starting point for both our Prefabricated Orthotics and Phits 3D-Printed Orthotics prescription pathways.
Evidence and Clinical Standards
The RSscan Footscan system is an internationally recognised clinical tool used across podiatry clinics, sports science departments, and orthopaedic research facilities worldwide. Its use at West Bridgford Podiatry reflects our commitment to evidence-informed, technology-supported care. Our clinical process follows HCPC standards and the guidance of the Royal College of Podiatry.
Getting to West Bridgford Podiatry
West Bridgford Podiatry is located at 7 Musters Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham, NG2 7PP. We are close to Trent Bridge cricket ground, accessible via local bus routes from Nottingham city centre, and offer free on-site parking at the front and rear of the building. We are open Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 6:00pm and on alternate Saturdays from 8:00am to 1:00pm.
Pricing and Insurance
Appointment Type | Duration | Fee |
Pressure Plate Gait Analysis (as part of biomechanical assessment) | 60 minutes | £120 |
Gait analysis at West Bridgford Podiatry is included as part of the biomechanical assessment appointment. The fee covers the full assessment, gait analysis, and a clinical review of findings.
Faqs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the pressure plate analysis painful?
No. The procedure is entirely non-invasive. You simply walk across the plate at your natural pace. There is no discomfort involved whatsoever.
Do I need to bring special footwear?
Please bring the footwear you wear most regularly, particularly sports or work shoes you believe may be contributing to your symptoms. You will walk barefoot across the pressure plate during the analysis itself.
How long does the gait analysis take?
The gait analysis walkthrough takes only a few minutes. However, it is conducted as part of a full biomechanical assessment, which takes up to 60 minutes in total to allow for history taking, physical testing, analysis review, and discussion of findings.
Will my data be stored securely?
Yes. Your gait data is held securely within our practice management system in accordance with UK GDPR requirements. Stored data allows us to compare results across appointments and track your response to treatment over time.
Can gait analysis be performed for children?
Yes. Footscan analysis can be carried out for patients of all ages. It is particularly useful for identifying the biomechanical causes of foot and leg pain in children and young people.