How do you distribute your weight on your feet when standing? How do your feet roll when you walk? And are there any differences between your right and left sides?
With our digital foot pressure measurement, we can visualize these pressure patterns. Pedobarography complements the orthopedic examination at the ROC and provides us with objective information about how pressure is distributed across your feet while standing and walking. We don’t just look at individual measurements. What matters most is whether the results align with your symptoms, your movement patterns, and the rest of the examination findings.
Pedobarography is also known as digital foot pressure measurement. Pressure-sensitive sensors detect how the load is distributed beneath the soles of your feet. The results are then displayed on the screen as a color-coded pressure map.
This allows us, among other things, to assess:
Pedobarography shows us how weight is actually distributed across your feet. However, it does not automatically reveal the cause of any abnormalities. That is why, at our clinic, this measurement is always part of a comprehensive medical evaluation.
Depending on the specific issue, we perform pedobarography while the patient is standing, walking, or in both situations.
During the static measurement, please stand still on our measurement platform. This allows us to see how your body weight is distributed across both feet and the various areas of the soles of your feet.
The measurement may show, for example:
During dynamic measurement, walk across the measurement surface at your usual pace. The sensors record how the pressure changes during foot contact and how the foot rolls from heel to toe.
This allows us to identify differences in stress that might not be visible when the subject is standing still.
The terms "pedobarography" and "gait analysis" are often used interchangeably, but they do not mean exactly the same thing.
Pedobarography focuses on pressure distribution under the feet. It is therefore an important component of functional gait analysis.
In a more in-depth gait analysis, we also examine the interaction between the feet, leg axes, knees, hips, pelvis, and upper body. Depending on the specific issue, we can therefore combine foot pressure measurement with additional tests at the ROC.
Measuring foot pressure can be useful for a variety of conditions and clinical questions, such as:
Foot pressure measurements can also provide additional insights when dealing with knee, hip, or back pain. However, an abnormal pressure distribution pattern does not automatically mean that the source of the pain lies in that area.
At the ROC, we can combine pedobarography with our 4D spinal analysis when clinically indicated. While pedobarography measures pressure distribution under the feet, the 4D spinal analysis provides additional information on posture, the pelvis, and leg alignment. This allows us to evaluate different areas of the musculoskeletal system together. However, a doctor’s assessment remains crucial here as well: Not every measurable deviation causes symptoms or requires treatment.
We start with a conversation. We’d like to know where your symptoms occur, when they worsen, and whether they change when you’re standing, walking, or running. Your work-related stress, athletic activities, footwear, and any insoles you already use may also be important factors in our assessment. After that, we’ll examine your feet and, if necessary, also assess your leg alignment, joints, and gait.
For the static measurement, please stand still on the sensor-equipped measurement surface. For the dynamic test, please walk across the platform several times at your usual pace. This allows us to capture a load pattern that is as representative as possible. Afterward, we’ll review the results with you. We’ll explain any abnormalities we observe and how they relate to your symptoms and the other test findings.
Pedobarography provides us with additional information, but it does not automatically result in a treatment recommendation. Only by considering the combination of symptoms, physical examination, and measurement results can we determine whether any measures are appropriate and, if so, which ones.
Depending on the findings, we can discuss, for example:
Our goal is not to address every abnormality. We focus on the findings that are actually relevant to your symptoms and your daily life.
During a gait analysis, we examine not only the pressure under your feet but also the sequence of movements as you walk. Among other things, we pay attention to how you land, roll through your stride, and shift your weight from one leg to the other.
Depending on the issue at hand, we evaluate:
If necessary, we combine gait analysis with pedobarography and our 4D spinal measurement. This allows us to include not only foot load but also other functional aspects—such as posture, pelvic position, and leg alignment—in our assessment.
Gait analysis shows us how you move when under stress. However, it cannot, on its own, determine the cause of an abnormality. That is why we always compare the results with your symptoms, the physical examination, and, if necessary, other diagnostic findings.
ROC Ortho
Private Orthopedic Practice
St.-Emmeram-Str. 5
85609 Aschheim
Email: praxis@roc-ortho.de
Phone: +49 89 46259930
Opening hours
| Monday | 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Tuesday | 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 7:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. |
| Thursday | 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Friday | 7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
No. Pedobarography is painless, noninvasive, and does not involve X-rays.
Measurements on our pressure measurement platform are typically taken without shoes. You will receive more detailed instructions when you schedule your appointment.
Yes. It’s best to bring the shoes you wear most often or the ones that cause you discomfort. If you already use insoles, you should bring those to the appointment as well.
The measurement can reveal abnormal pressure and stress patterns. We determine whether a foot deformity is present and what its significance is based on a physical examination and, if necessary, additional findings.
Not necessarily. Abnormal test results can occur even in the absence of symptoms. Treatment is particularly advisable when the test results, your symptoms, and the other findings from your examination are consistent with one another.
Pedobarography can reveal differences in weight-bearing that are relevant for further examination. However, it cannot, on its own, prove that knee, hip, or back pain is caused by the feet.
Foot pressure measurement can provide insight into how the load changes with or without insoles. We’ll determine whether an adjustment is necessary based on your symptoms and the results of a physical examination.
Yes. Since the examination does not involve X-rays, it can be repeated if necessary. In doing so, we take into account that factors such as walking speed, pain, and how the patient is feeling on a given day can influence the results.