Biomechanical Assessments for Foot and Referred Pain

These assessments look at the way your foot and body functions during movement (walking, running, cycling, etc).

First, we begin by:

  • Taking a detailed history
  • Ascertaining the particular symptoms or injuries you have or the condition(s) for which you have been referred
  • Look at previous injuries
  • Considering all medical conditions, lifestyle factors, occupational hazards and physical activities

Once a thorough history has been completed, your particular condition will be assessed and diagnosed.

Conservative treatment for acute injuries will likely be commenced immediately. If further diagnostic investigation is merited, you may be referred for x-ray, ultrasound, bone scan, MRI etc.

If dealing with an acute injury you will likely need to re-attend for ongoing treatment as necessary

In the case of a chronic condition resulting from poor biomechanical function, you will be advised to have a biomechanical examination and gait analysis completed by the podiatrist.

Gait Analysis

Here, walking and running style will be analysed. We will look at everything from the way your torso is functioning through to your hips, knees, legs, ankles and of course, feet. Running technique will be assessed if warranted.

Biomechanical Examination

This is where we evaluate your ‘engineering’. This is looking at why the makeup of your bones, muscles, joints, nerves, ligaments etc… makes you move the way you do. It is a non-invasive physical assessment measuring any structural or functional issues in your legs and feet that are contributing to your condition.

Upon completion of these examinations, a treatment plan will be prescribed. This may involve all or any part of the following treatments: Orthotic therapy, advice on running shoes, casual or particular sporting footwear, stretching regimes, strapping or muscular strengthening, as well as acute injury treatment.

It is important to note that the way in which the foot functions can have an impact on other parts of the body, meaning that issues may arise elsewhere.

A biomechanical assessment is a holistic assessment of the body that can locate the source(s) of these problems.