Gait Analysis San Diego- Cross Over Gait

A running gait analysis is very helpful when a runner is dealing with an injury. One of the more problematic gaits that we identify during our running gait analysis is a cross over gait. The cross over gait or tight rope gait is present when a runner steps across the position of the previous foot of the opposite leg. They run very narrow in a cross over gait and often appear very wobbly in their legs when running. Take a look at the picture of one of our triathletes below. He has been dealing with knee pain following runs and it was found he runs with a cross over gait.

Signs and Symptoms of a Cross Over Gait

Often times, runners are unaware that they run with this style of gait. The most common signs and symptoms of a cross over gait include:

• Posterior Shin Splints
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Knee pain
• Iliotibial Band Syndrome (IT Band Syndrome)
• Hip bursitis
• Low Back Pain
• Hitting legs together when running
• Excessive wearing on the outer part of the bottom of the shoe
• Generalized aches in the body after long runs
• Unable to pass a certain mileage per week without pain or injury
• Plateaus in performance, even with proper training

How to Identify a Cross Over Gait

To properly identify a cross over gait, a run gait analysis is a necessity. A run gait analysis will take a look at the runners run gait from several different views to see what form inefficiencies they are running with. Once the gait pattern is identified, gait cues/corrections are given. With dedication to drills and training, running gait changes will occur.

Can Shoes or Exercises Correct a Cross Over Gait?

Short answer is no.  It does not matter what shoes are worn if you run with a cross over gait. You may notice some improvement with certain types of shoes but it will simply mask the underlying problem and prevent the real cure. Strengthening and stretching may also help manage symptoms of the cross over gait but will not fix the cause of the injury. Strengthening may allow the runner to run further each week but eventually, the tissues will max out and fall back into injury if the cross over gait is present. The only thing that helps get rid of a cross over gait is working on changing running form.

Treatment

Schedule a running gait analysis to get proper identification of what running form inefficiencies are causing your injury. Once they are identified, running cues and drills will be give to stat making permanent changes to your running form. Our running gait analysis is performed at our Mission Valley San Diego office. We are located near the neighborhoods of Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, Normal Heights, Hillcrest, Serra Mesa, La Mesa, and Tierrasanta. Schedule online at www.peakformhealthcenter.com to get your running form evaluated today!