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The gait cycle- a normal walking pattern
Author: Dr. Marc MitnickReviewed by: Medical Review Board
Most people do not have a text book "normal" gait cycle. Either from structural deficiency that we are born with, or as a result of trauma, or perhaps disease such as arthritis or neurological complications, most people exhibit some variation away from a normal cycle. It is this variation that ends up causing orthopedic or even neurological problems in the lower extremity.
THREE PHASES OF A NORMAL GAIT CYCLE
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CONTACT PHASE The first phase of gait. This is where your heel as it goes forward hits the ground. Normal contact of the heel is on the posterior outside of the heel, not the direct back of the heel. So, normal heel wear will occur on the posterior outside of the heel. If your heels wear out directly on the back side of the heel or even the posterior inside of the heel, you do not have a normal gait.
This phase continues until the foot is flat on the ground. This constitutes 20 percent of the total gait cycle.
MIDSTANCE This part of your gait represents 30 percent of the cycle, your body weight passes over your foot as the body comes forward. At this position your foot (in this case the right foot) supports your body weight. This is the part of the gait pattern where an abnormally functioning foot such as an over pronated foot (flat foot) or an over supinated foot (high arch foot) will manifest its problems.
This phase ends as your body weight passes forward eventually forcing your heel to rise.
These two phases which represent one half of the total cycle is the part of the gait pattern where you will experience most heel, arch and midfoot pain.
PROPULSION PHASE This is the last phase of gait where the foot pushes off the ground to propel the body forward. Most forefoot pain results in this phase of the cycle. Fifty percent of the gait cycle is represented in this phase.
Below is a picture of weight distribution pattern seen in normal gait. The heel initially picks up the body weight, the weight then is distributed along the lateral or outside part of the foot. Body weight is then picked up by the ball of the foot and lastly the weight is absorbed by the big toe as you push off with that foot.
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It is important to note that any abnormality in walking not only will have an abnormal effect on foot function but since the foot is the foundation of the human body, there can also be problems all the way up to the lower back. That is why correcting abnormalities at the level of the feet can go a long way in relieving pain occurring in the ankles, knees,legs,hips and lower back.
DISCLAIMER: The purpose of this site is purely informational in nature. It is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any medical condition. This information is not a substitute for advice from a medical professional. Please consult your healthcare provider for accurate diagnosis and treatment. The information presented here may be subject to errors and omissions.
SITE LAST UPDATED: APRIL 2026
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Fla.
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Scotland
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(location unknown)
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(location unknown)
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(location unknown)
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(location unknown)
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Unknown
Unknown location
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Unknown location
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Poland
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South Carolina
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unknown location
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location unknown
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location unknown
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location unknown
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location unknown
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New Jersey
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location unknown
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location unknown
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San Diego, CA
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Albany, NY
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location unknown
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Whichita, KS
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Boston, MA
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Colorado
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Colorado
Wonderful advice
by: Anonymous
This is the best site for foot problem info.
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by: Max
location unknown
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Canada
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location unknown
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Wisconsin
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location unknown
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North Carolina
Many Thanks Dr Marc!
Thank you for your response. It sounds like a good plan to me. He did not cut the wart out first ...
KG
location unknown
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Florida
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location unknown
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New Jersey
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a mom
location unknown
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Lenoir, NC
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Bellevue, WA
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Jodi
location unknown
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