A podiatric biomechanical assessment is an essential evaluation for diagnosing and treating issues related to foot and lower limb movement. Whether you’re experiencing discomfort while walking, running, or standing, this comprehensive assessment helps identify the underlying causes of pain or dysfunction.
What Does a Biomechanical Assessment Involve?
Gait Analysis:
A key component of a biomechanical assessment, gait analysis involves observing how you walk or run. This helps assess your movement patterns, identifying any abnormalities that could be contributing to discomfort or injury. A foot scanner may also be used to scan your feet as part of the process, though gait analysis can be done in a variety of settings—both inside and outside of the clinic.
Muscle Strength and Flexibility:
During the assessment, your muscle strength and flexibility will be tested. This helps determine whether weaknesses or tight muscles may be affecting your biomechanics and contributing to foot or leg issues.
Foot Scanning:
3D digital scanning of the feet is another important part of the evaluation. This can help capture detailed data about your foot structure, which is useful in diagnosing any imbalances or abnormalities that might be affecting your movement.
Problem Diagnosis and Solutions:
After gathering information from the gait analysis, foot scan, and muscle assessments, the podiatrist will diagnose the issue and discuss treatment options. These could include custom orthotics, footwear changes, strengthening exercises, or other corrective measures.
Should I Bring My Footwear?
Yes, bringing the footwear you wear regularly is highly recommended. The shoes you wear can greatly influence your foot mechanics, so analysing them can provide valuable insights during the assessment. If you have more than one pair (sports and work) bring them both so we can assess holistically and create a treatment plan relevant for your lifestyle.
How Long Does a Biomechanical Assessment Take?
A typical biomechanical assessment lasts around 30-45 minutes, during which time the specialist will thoroughly evaluate your foot mechanics and develop a personalised treatment plan.
By undergoing a biomechanical assessment, you can take the first step toward resolving foot and lower limb pain and improving overall mobility.