66 Stockport Road, Marple, Stockport, SK6 6AB, United Kingdom
Biomechanical Assessment + provision of Orthotics Insoles
A Biomechanical Assessment is undertaken and may require provision of orthotics Insoles for flat feet, or other structural / functional conditions, which our podiatrist Louise in her Marple clinic decides at the appointment.
Biomechanics is the science concerned with the analysis of the mechanics of human movement, an assessment will analyse the mechanics of your bodies movement. Our bodies our rarely symmetrical including our legs and feet, we may find that there may be mal-alignments in your pelvis, back, legs such as bowed legs which will influence the way your body moves. When we stand, walk or run our body has to compensate for any anomalies present which puts structures such as muscles, joints, ligaments and tendons under strain as they begin functioning in an abnormal or compromised manner and over time structures become inflamed or injured
The foot is a complex structure of 28 bones, 214 ligaments and 38 muscles working as a flexible lever bearing our weight as we walk.
What is a biomechanical assessment ?
During a biomechanical assessment our podiatrists will try to find out the cause of your pain. Often the pain will be in the foot, ankle, knee, leg, hip or lower back.
Louise will be looking for abnormalities in your alignments, muscle and joint function and compensation mechanisms that may be occurring when you walk or run that may be causing the pain
What should I expect from an assessment ?
During your appointment our podiatrists will ask you detailed questions about your problem and how it is affecting you. A full medical history including any injuries will be taken to give a complete overview of your condition. Louise will then perform a clinical visual examination on your lower limbs, pelvis and back. It may be useful to wear loose fitting trousers or bring some shorts you can change into.
Static assessment and anatomical examination will take place, various specific measurements will be taken both laying down ( non-weight bearing ) and standing up ( weight bearing ), muscle function testing, joint range of motion testing, skeletal alignment will also be carried out.
Dynamic assessment will take place whilst walking or running to analyse your gait cycle.
After the biomechanical assessment.
Once Louise has identified the cause of your problem she can develop a tailor made treatment plan to improve your symptoms. This usually includes the following:-
- Diagnosis of your condition causing the pain and discomfort.
- Rehabilitation programme which will include appropriate exercises to stretch or strengthen muscles identified at the assessment.
- Detailed information of your specific condition and how to manage it sent in a highly specialised software programme.
- Proprioception exercises to improve joint stability and balance.
- Orthotics - these can be fabricated on site specifically for your pain symptoms. Louise stocks Schein orthopaedic semi-bespoke orthotics that cannot be bought over the counter and Louise will customise them to your exact prescription.
- Topical pain medication advice and provided.
- Appropriate footwear advice
- Referral to GP for further investigation which may include x-ray, MRI scan, ultrasound scan, blood tests
Orthotics
An orthotics is a medical device which when used in a patients shoe will apply force to a specific area of the foot to support, realign, redistribute pressure or cushion the foot. Orthotics are often used to alleviate pressure on one or more areas of the musculoskeletal system in order to alleviate pain and discomfort, they can improve postural stability decrease certain tissue stresses and improve foot function when worn
Orthotics can be over the counter devices modified and fabricated on site to treat the painful conditions or bespoke casted orthotics for more durability. This will be decided during the assessment as part of the treatment management protocol
It is best to wear a shoe where an insole can be removed or liner and replaced with the prescribed orthotic Customised foot orthotics are like prescription glasses and are only effective while you are wearing them.
Common painful conditions
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Arthritis
- Tibialis posterior tendonitis ( usually seen in flat feet )
- Mortons Neuroma
- Achilles Tendonitis
- Metatarsalgia ( ball of the foot pain )
- Shin splints
- Heel pain
- Bunions
- Leg length discrepancy
- Aching legs and feet
- Hallux limitus ( stiff big toe joint )
- Capsulitis or synovitis in the foot smaller joints
- Knee pain
- Hip pain
- Back pain
