AI Gait Analysis in the Podiatry Clinic: Useful Signal or Pretty Video?
Markerless motion capture on a phone is now cheap. Interpreting it well is not.
Moheb Mikhael, DPM Candidate
Foot & Ankle / Podiatric Medicine
- Published
- Published Aug 20, 2026
- Last reviewed
- Last reviewed Aug 22, 2026
- Reading time
- 3 min read
- Audience
- Patients & clinicians
- Evidence level
- Emerging Evidence
Clinical summary
Pose-estimation models can estimate joint angles from ordinary video. Validation against marker-based labs varies by joint and plane. The foot is among the hardest segments to track accurately.
Patient view: plain-language reading.
What the software measures
Most tools estimate hip, knee, and ankle sagittal angles, cadence, and stride timing. Some estimate rearfoot eversion, which is harder because the foot is small and often occluded.
Where it helps
Video with overlays helps patients understand why a change in footwear or loading is being recommended. It also documents change across visits.
References
- 1.Validation studies of markerless motion capture versus marker-based systems. Verify specific studies before citing.
Summaries are editorial. Verify details against the original publications.
Clinical Review. Written for clinicians and podiatric medical students. Editorial standards
Podiatrify provides educational information and risk guidance and does not provide a medical diagnosis. Symptoms involving severe pain, rapidly spreading infection, black or blue tissue, major trauma, loss of circulation, or systemic illness may require urgent medical evaluation.