A Complete Guide To Biomechanical Analysis & Foot Orthotics

Biomechanical analysis (also known as gait analysis) is undertaken by a Podiatrist to assess the way in which the muscles, bones, and joints of the feet and lower limbs interact and move. An important part of the analysis is to assess the functionality of the foot in terms of impact absorption and propulsion. Our feet need to absorb the shock of hitting the ground in our day-to-day activities, whether walking, running, or playing a sport, as well as stabilize and support our body weight as we go about our day.

Poor foot function can result in foot pain and injury, but it can also cause problems in the ankles, calves, knees, hips, and back. A podiatrist will be able to diagnose the cause of any pain or malfunction, and give advice on footwear as well as prescribe shoe-inserts or orthotics to resolve the problem.

Podiatry can also assess the biomechanical function of the feet and lower limbs as part of a rehabilitation programme after an injury.

Biomechanical Analysis & Orthotic Prescription, The House Clinics, Podiatry, Bristol

Why Should I Have A Biomechanical Assessment?

A biomechanical assessment is very beneficial if you are experiencing pain in your feet or lower limbs. If the pain is preventing you from doing normal activities and becoming pervasive, you should get it checked out. Visiting a registered Podiatrist for a biomechanical assessment is the starting point for understanding the cause of your problem and what treatment may be needed.

Patients who visit our team of Podiatrists here at The House Clinics, often come as a last resort after seeing a GP or even a physiotherapist, and this is most often the case when pain is experienced in the lower limbs rather than the feet. However, The Podiatrist should be the first port of call!

The foot is a complex structure of 26 different bones, 214 ligaments, and 38 muscles, bearing our body weight as we walk every day.

A biomechanical examination is focused not only on the foot but includes the pelvis, legs, and knees. It is important to examine the lower limbs as a whole because they are inter-connected, meaning pain in one area can be due to a weakness or problem in another part of the body.

What Does A Bio-Mechanical Assessment Involve?

What does a biomechanical Foot Assessment Involve? The House Clinics, Podiatry, Bristol

In an initial consultation with the Podiatrist, your full case-history is taken followed by a biomechanical assessment, involving an examination of the feet and lower limbs, looking at their structure, alignment, strengths, and weaknesses. As part of this assessment, you will be examined as you walk or run.

Treatment will vary depending on the results of your biomechanical assessment:

In some cases, simple footwear advice and a programme of strengthening or stretching exercises can resolve pain and gait problems.
If the Podiatrist finds that your foot mechanics could be contributing to your injury or pain, insoles or custom made orthotics will be prescribed, as well as a programme of conditioning exercises.
In some cases, The Podiatrist may refer you for Physiotherapy or Chiropractic treatment, or advise imaging such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT-scans.

Semi-Bespoke & Custom Orthotics, The House Clinics, Podiatry Assessment, Bristol