Gait & Mobility Assessment: What It Involves & Who Needs It

Overview

Gait refers to the pattern of walking, and mobility refers to overall ease of movement — standing up, walking, turning and climbing stairs. A gait and mobility assessment looks at how these movements are performed to identify abnormalities caused by joint problems, muscle weakness, nerve issues or pain.

This assessment is particularly useful in diagnosing the cause of a limp, recurrent falls, or difficulty walking that has developed gradually, such as in arthritis or after an injury or surgery.

Who It Is For

• Patients with a noticeable limp or altered walking pattern
• Older adults with balance problems or frequent falls
• Post-surgery or post-fracture patients regaining mobility
• Patients with hip, knee or ankle arthritis affecting walking
• Children with unusual walking patterns (referred appropriately)

Preparation

Wear comfortable clothing and footwear that you would normally walk in, or bring your usual walking aid (stick, walker) if you use one. No fasting or special preparation is required.

How It Works

The doctor observes the patient walking, standing up from a chair, and sometimes climbing a step, while noting posture, limb alignment, stride and any compensatory movements. This is combined with a joint and muscle examination to identify the underlying cause.

Procedure Steps

• Observation of walking pattern over a short distance
• Assessment of standing balance and posture
• Muscle strength and joint range of motion testing
• Check for pain, limping or favouring of one side
• Correlation with any relevant imaging or previous surgery
• Discussion of findings and a mobility improvement plan

Conditions Diagnosed

• Hip, knee or ankle arthritis affecting gait
• Muscle weakness or nerve-related walking problems
• Post-fracture or post-surgical mobility limitation
• Leg length discrepancy
• Balance disorders contributing to fall risk

Expected Outcomes

This assessment helps pinpoint the specific cause of a walking or mobility problem, allowing a targeted plan — which may include physiotherapy, walking aids, footwear advice, or treatment of the underlying joint condition.

Cost Factors

Cost depends on the diagnosis, the tests required, the technology or implant chosen and the length of treatment or follow-up.

The clinic explains the full cost — tests, procedure and follow-up visits — before you agree to treatment. There are no hidden charges.

Insurance and cashless approval depend on your policy and the procedure; the front desk helps with the paperwork wherever a claim applies.

Call the clinic on 070303 11311 for current pricing and insurance details.

Why Choose Dr. Murkute's O2 Bone & Eye Care

• Assessment by Dr. Vishal Murkute, MBBS, DNB Orthopaedics, with a focus on functional recovery
• Practical, easy-to-follow advice for improving walking and balance
• Coordinated plan combining examination, imaging (where needed) and rehabilitation guidance
• Call the clinic on 070303 11311 to confirm on-site availability before your visit.
• Convenient Kharadi location for patients across East Pune