BIOMECHANICAL ASSESSMENTS

An investigation into your lower leg mechanics

Why do you need an assessment?

A Biomechanical Assessment is a 45 - 60 minute appointment to explore how your current biomechanics relate or may have caused your current foot pain. A biomechanical assessment may also be required if you are concerned that your foot mechanics may be leading to early joint damage or to get advice on how you can improve you mechanics in relation to sport.

What to bring to your assessment?

To your appointment you should bring any imaging (X-rays, MRI, Ultrasound, CT etc.) that you have as well as any referrals from other health professionals. We often require information regarding your local doctor and any relevant specialists so that we can write a medical report if required.

It is also important that you bring a bag of the footwear that you wear most commonly both inside and outside of the home. This is essential so we can determine if and how your footwear could be affecting your lower limb biomechanics and pain.

Biomechanical assesment tests
Biomechanical assesment tests

What to expect?

At a biomechanical assessment one of our experienced Podiatrists will assess the cause of your foot and/or lower limb while determining the appropriate treatment regimen. This will involve several measurements and tests including joint range, lower limb angles and gait analysis. It is a good idea to wear a pair of shorts so that knee and ankle mechanics can be assessed more easily during gait analysis. You will be asked to walk barefoot down a long hallway for the gait assessment. Common treatments can include custom-made orthotics, footwear modifications and advice, stretching & strengthening exercises, joint manipulation and mobilisation & taping.

What to expect?

At a biomechanical assessment one of our experienced Podiatrist with asses the cause of your foot and/or lower limb while determining the appropriate treatment regime. This will involve several measurements and tests including joint range, lower limb angles and gait analysis. It is a good idea to wear a pair of shorts so that knee and ankle mechanics can be assessment more easily during gait analysis. You will be asked to walk barefoot down a long hallway for the gait assessment. Common treatments can include Custom made Orthotics, footwear modifications and advice, stretching and strengthening exercises, joint manipulation and mobilisation and taping.
Biomechanical assesment tests

How we make our orthotics

What is an Orthotic?
“An artificial support or brace for the limbs or spine”
In-shoe orthotics

Wedges, raises and pads

Raises

  • Heel raises (Sever’s disease, Achilles tendinopathy)
  • Limb length adjustments (Limb length studies)

Metatarsal pads, bars and domes

  • Morton’s neuroma
  • Fat pad atrophy
  • “Metatarsalgia” Capsulitis, bursitis, synovitis

Wedges

  • Medial compartment knee OA
  • Lateral ankle instability and OA

Off the shelf orthotics

    • Chemist devices
      • Mainly cushioning in nature
    • Heat mouldable devices
      • Offer some mild support

Custom Orthotics

    • Correctional
    • Accommodative
    • What makes an orthotic “custom-made”?
      • “made or done to order for a particular customer”

What can we treat with orthotics?

Lower limb tendinopathies
(E.g. Achilles tendonitis, Tibialis posterior dysfunction)
Plantar Heel Pain
(Plantar fasciitis)
Arthritic conditions
(Rheumatoid, Osteoarthritis)
Gait abnormalities
(hypermobile flat feet)
Diabetic Ulcers
(offloading, pressure education, ulcer prevention)
Limb length adjustments