WHAT IS A BIOMECHANICAL ASSESSMENT?

There is a misconception that biomechanical assessments and gait analysis is for those people with sporting injuries.  Anyone, of any age, who is suffering from pain in the foot, ankle, knees, hips or lower back would benefit from this type of assessment.  

This type of appointment is also useful for the following:- 

- People with high/ low arched feet with foot, ankle, knee, hip or back pain

- People with diabetes , with high pressure areas on the foot increasing risk of ulceration 

- People experiencing peri/menopausal symptoms (as this can also affect the bones, ligaments and tendons).  

- During pregnancy 

- People diagnosed with arthritic or hypermobile conditions 

- People with a current or history of foot pain including bunions, metatarsalgia, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis or posterior tibialis tendon dysfunction.

Biomechanical assessments are also helpful if you have concerns regarding your children's feet, or for patients who are elderly or have poor stability and are at risk of falls.

Essentially, if it is foot pain not related to skin and nail issues, this assessment is for you!

** Please note we do NOT specialise in running gait analysis

Podiatrists are trained to a high level to understand the anatomy of the foot, ankle and lower limb in order to assess, diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions and injuries.  They also understand the complex health conditions that can affect the integrity of the structures within the foot.

Your podiatrist will assess your foot posture, range of motion and quality of movement within the foot and ankle.  Weight baring, non-weight baring, static and dynamic assessments are carried out.  Your podiatrist will then undertake an observational assessment of your gait whilst walking to determine whether any biomechanical variations may be contributing to your symptoms. 

Based upon the results your Podiatrist may carry out further functional tests to assess the strength and stability of the foot and lower limb.

Your podiatrist will also undertake a full medical history, ask about lifestyle and activity, discuss footwear and may carry out vascular and neurological testing.

Once a diagnosis has been reached, your Podiatrist will determine a treatment plan which may include:- 

- Making footwear changes.  

- Stretching and strengthening exercises 

- Temporarily offloading using taping/ padding/ semi-custom orthotics 

- Referring for imaging such as X-Ray, MRI or Ultrasound in cases that require additional investigation 

- Advising if orthotics are indicated (which may involve prefabricated/ semi custom or bespoke, or 3D printed orthotics)

Orthotics can be used temporarily, to enable offloading of specific structures in the foot so they can to recover.  Some conditions/ patients may require the use of an orthotic on a permanent basis.

The purpose of orthotics is to enhance alignment, offload,  redistribute or reduce the forces acting upon the foot and its supporting structures.  Orthotics reduce pain by improving function.

Orthotics may be used to accommodate and support an unstable foot type, for example in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Orthotics can also be used in the management of the diabetic foot with high pressure areas at risk of ulceration.

A prefabricated orthotic or 'off-the-shelf' device is a premade orthotic, that sometimes has additions already built in to control certain biomechanical variations.  For example, in the pes planus foot (flat feet) there is little evidence to suggest that a custom device is more effective at managing the symptoms associated with this condition.

A semi-custom orthotic is a prefabricated device where your Podiatrist may use additions to manage your symptoms and improve foot function.  This is usually a temporary measure and can be useful in determining your tolerance to an orthotic and whether any of the additions have been effective in improving your symptoms.

A custom device is casted specifically to your foot.  Your podiatrist will use a suitable method for capturing your foot profile.  In some cases this will be done using a 3D Scan whilst non-weight baring and in others a foam impression may be used if we need to capture the foot in a specific position.

At Footwell Podiatry we use the UK and Irelands leading manufacturers of custom made orthotics to ensure comfort, quality and durability!   Your prescription is completely bespoke, and we offer a range of materials including PA11, Polypropylene, EVA and Carbon Fibre depending on your needs.

We offer 3D foot scanning for custom orthotics (where indicated) and have a range of prefabricated devices in stock designed by experts in the industry that we recommend.

We will never sell you orthotics if we do not think you need them.

We aim to deliver the best quality orthotics to meet your specific needs.  Whilst we do not have a specific policy on returns of custom orthotics, if they have not met your expectations we will offer alterations/refurbishment/ replacement or returns within the first 3 months.  Please note this is on a case by case basis as we cannot offer refunds or replacements due to incorrect care.    To date we have never had to offer this service!

We are all about high quality customer service and achieving great outcomes for you, so if you do have any queries or concerns regarding your orthotics please let us know, we are here to help!

It is important to understand that the longevity of a device will vary from person to person but a custom device should last a minimum of 12 months. This is dependant on body weight, activity levels and caring for your orthotics in accordance with instructions provided.

We recommend a biomechanical review assessment every 12 months for people requiring orthotics on a permanent basis.  Reviews, bespoke treatment plans and rehabilitation exercises will be offered in your appointment.  If you require orthotics we will also give you advice on how to build your tolerance to these, how to look after them and when to come back for a review. 

** Please note we do not specialise in running gait analysis