Something Feels... Off

Have you ever caught your reflection in a window and noticed you’re limping a little? Or maybe your shoes wear out unevenly—one heel more than the other?

Here’s the thing: You might be walking differently without even realizing it.

These small changes in how you move are common, especially if you’ve had foot, ankle, knee, or even back pain. But over time, they can lead to bigger issues—and that’s where your local podiatrist in West Haven CT can help.

Why We Start Walking Differently

Walking is one of those things we usually do without thinking. But if something starts to hurt—or doesn’t feel quite right—your body will naturally adjust to avoid pain.

That adjustment is called a compensation pattern.

Common reasons people shift their walking pattern:

• Foot pain (heel, arch, or forefoot)

• Ankle injuries or stiffness

• Knee or hip pain

• Uneven leg length

• Bunions or hammertoes

• Arthritis or joint wear and tear

• Old injuries that didn’t fully heal

Even minor changes—like favoring one side or slightly turning your foot outward—can throw off your natural alignment.

What Can Happen If You Ignore It

Walking differently might seem harmless at first. But over time, it can cause:

• New pain in your knees, hips, or lower back

• Increased wear and tear on your joints

• Worsening of foot problems like bunions or flat feet

• Injury risk (especially if you’re active or on your feet a lot)

• Balance problems or risk of falling

Many patients come into our office for heel pain or hip discomfort, only to find out their walking pattern changed months ago—and now their whole body is trying to keep up.

How a Podiatrist in West Haven CT Can Help

At West Haven Foot and Ankle Center, we take a full-body approach to foot care. We don’t just treat where it hurts—we figure out why it hurts in the first place.

Here’s what we do when someone might be walking differently:

Gait Analysis

We’ll observe how you walk, stand, and shift your weight. This helps us see if one side is working harder, or if your stride has become uneven.

Foot Exam

We check for issues like fallen arches, bunions, tight tendons, or old injuries that may be affecting your movement.

Custom Treatment Plan

Depending on what we find, your care might include:

• Custom orthotics to support your feet and correct imbalances

• Stretches and exercises to strengthen weak muscles

• Footwear recommendations based on your gait

• In-office treatments for pain or inflammation

We’ll explain everything in simple terms, so you know what’s going on with your body—and how to fix it.

It’s Not Just About Your Feet

You might be surprised to learn how much your feet affect your whole body. A small shift in how you walk can move upward—into your knees, hips, and even your shoulders.

By correcting your walking pattern early, we can help you:

• Move more comfortably

• Prevent injuries

• Improve your posture

• Feel more confident on your feet

Let’s Get You Walking Right Again

If something feels “off” when you walk—or if you’re dealing with pain that won’t go away—it’s time to get it checked out.

Our podiatrist in West Haven CT is here to help you get back to walking naturally, safely, and pain-free.

Call our office or book an appointment online. You don’t have to guess what’s wrong—we’ll help you figure it out and get you back in step.