Biomechanics

• For most people, they will want a biomechanical assessment when they feel something is wrong, e.g. pain in the foot, feeling unstable when standing, unexplained corns and callous or injuring a particular area. However, you don't have to have a problem before you have an assessment - it may be recommended by your clinician as a result of seeing you for a different appointment, or you may wish to just have a check so any problems are caught early.   

• This low grade but repetitive motion can place the feet, legs and pelvis and spine under considerable stresses. This can result in a lot of pain and discomfort. These problems are exacerbated by wearing ill fitting shoes or if a person has low arched or high arched feet.  The average person takes between 5,000 to 18,000 steps per day. This low-grade but repetitive motion can place stress on the foot, legs, pelvis and spine predisposing to pain and discomfort. If you have a low-arched (pronated) or high arched (supinated) foot then you may be more predisposed to problems.

• During your initial appointment, the podiatrist/chiropodist will discuss your symptoms with you and carry out a physical assessment. The assessment involves looking at the way you stand and walk, checking the joints and muscles, assessing your footwear and lifestyle. You should wear shorts for this appointment, or at least some loose fitting trousers. It would also be helpful if you brought along a variety of shoes you wear for different activities, such as trainers, work shoes, walking shoes and in particular the footwear that causes the pain (if it is specific). After the assessment has been carried out, a treatment plan will then be formulated between you and your clinician.   

• Your treatment plan may involve orthotics, exercises, footwear advice, acupuncture, manipulation and mobilisation. The biomechanical assessment will be approximately 60 minutes (this may be split into two 30 minute sessions). 

The use of special shoe inserts (orthoses) can help to control the way in which the foot and therefore legs function and thus reduce discomfort. However, attention to shoes and muscle strength/flexibility can all improve function. Orthoses (or orthotics) are special shoes inserts and are the mainstay of treatment for abnormal foot function. However, orthoses are often used in conjunction with other treatment modalities, shoe advice and appropriate rehabilitation. Orthotics can help with a host of foot problems like high arches, flat feet, bunions, arch pain and Plantar Fasciitis

 Usually plaster casts/moulds of the feet are taken which accurately capture the essential relationship  of the feet. They are sent to an orthotics lab with a prescription, specific to the individual for the manufacture of bespoke foot orthotics. These are simply insoles that are moved from shoe to shoe to help correct and support the way that a patient walks and stands.