Podiatric Biomechanics
Balance and Alignment
Biomechanics focuses on how your body moves, especially for podiatrists who examine how the movements of your lower limbs and feet impact your overall well-being. Ensuring your feet are in good working order is crucial; otherwise, you might experience aches and pains in various areas, including your knees, hips, back, and, of course, your feet. A biomechanical assessment can pinpoint the root cause of issues like foot pain, instability while standing, unexplained corns and calluses, or injuries to specific areas.
An initial Podiatric Biomechanics assessment typically takes 60 to 90 minutes. It’s recommended to wear suitable attire (shorts or leggings) and bring your work and leisure footwear. Following the assessment, a personalized treatment program will be proposed. This plan might involve collaboration with other practitioners, such as Sports Therapists, Physiotherapists, Chiropractors/Osteopaths, or a referral to a specialist like an Orthopaedic Surgeon.
CUSTOM-MADE ORTHOSES
Custom-made foot orthoses are prescription devices tailor made from a plaster cast of the foot. Their fabrication can be complex and require many technical steps along the way to manufacture. They generally function best in a laced shoe with a heel no higher than an inch. Orthoses may not always be interchangeable between all shoes and different devices may be needed for different sporting activities.
The custom-made orthoses used are CAD CAM designed and made from high-density polypropylene or other materials. They’re individually made depending upon the body weight of the patient and purpose. For instance an orthotic used for normal street shoes may not be suitable for use in a ski boot or cycling shoe.
Cost of a pair of custom-made CAD/CAM foot orthoses will vary depending on circumstances. Alternatively non-customised devices may be appropriate for your particular problem and can be supplied.
FOOTWEAR AND TRAINING ADVICE
Getting the right shoe is essential and many people find the correct shoe easily. For those who can’t find well-fitting footwear, expert advice can save a lot of potential trouble. Seek professional help and advice on this to ensure maximum effect.
With over 40 years of competitive sport behind him and past experience as a Senior Athletics Coach, the podiatrist is well placed to offer individual training advice for certain activities.
STEROID AND LOCAL ANALGESIA INJECTION
Corticosteroid injections cause a non-specific dampening of the inflammatory response produced by inflamed or arthritic joints and tissues, providing short to long term pain relief. While such injections are a temporary solution, treatment of the symptoms can help patients to break the cycle of immobilization long enough to restore range of motion. This in turn helps build strength in order to improve function in the long term.
BIO-MECHANICAL ASSESSMENT
A Biomechanics assessment is an investigation into your body’s mechanical function – looking closely for abnormalities and compensations. We look closely to identify the underlying causes of heel pain, knee pain and even back pain.
SLOW-MOTION VIDEO GAIT ANALYSIS
A video gait analysis captures your gait from all 4 sides and is used to assess the way you walk and/or run. This helps us highlight any biomechanical abnormalities which may be causing pain or injury. Video analysis has the benefit of slowing down, freezing and replying the assessment in order to take accurate measurement using ghost image layers, anatomical location tracking and more.
PRESSURE PLATE ANALYSIS
A pressure plate analysis sounds a little fearsome but it’s very simple. The podiatrist will ask you to walk or run over the pressure plate one step at a time to measure the pressures running through your feet. You may also be asked to stand still on the pressure plate to produce further information such as sway. Our highly sophisticated equipment produces very clear graphical representations of the pressure at each part of the foot. This makes it easy to see where excessive pressures are and also look more closely at the foot’s movement.
PODOSMART INSOLE WALKING & RUNNING GAIT ANALYSIS NEW!
Podosmart is the solution for healthcare professionals to improve the clinical assessment of patients with different mobility disorders. composed of 6 pairs of insoles connected to a mobile application.
Podosmart allows for objectively measuring the walking and running of patients in real-world conditions anywhere. The Pododsmart system accurately measures the patient’s walking profile and gait in real life conditions in just a few minutes.
The Podosmart system includes six pairs of intelligent insoles covering UK sizes 3 to 12.5, a bluetooth transmitter and a web interface to view results.
The intelligent insoles feature several sensors that detect the smallest foot movements and a microprocessor that calculates the biomechanics data. Plus the dedicated Podosmart platform allows you to view all the data linked to activity and analyse the results on your tablet, PC or Smartphone.
Download our information leaflet ↓
MUSCLE ACTIVATION
Muscle Activation Technique is a specific and unique process for evaluating an individual’s ability to produce efficient muscle contraction. Loss of muscle contraction results in a decreased range of motion, and therefore decreased physical performance. Range of motion testing can indicate which muscles have decreased contractibility, and precise forces are applied to restore that muscle’s efficiency.
A Be Activated Therapist (PhysioUK) is trained and certified to perform techniques that can help restore function and strengthen weak muscles. Muscle Activation uses a system of reflexes throughout the body that wakes up muscles. The muscles can then function at their maximum potential in strength, power, endurance and flexibility. The applications range from improved sports performance, gains in training and also release of tight structures throughout the body that cause pain and dysfunction.
