Posted 28 Nov '17

Biomechanics…. Pardon?

A biomechanical assessment by a well-trained podiatrist could be key to solving your foot, leg or knee pain.

A human foot has 26 bones, 33 joints and well over 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments working together to keep you moving and all it takes is one or two of these structures to behave sub-optimally and you can end up hobbling around or missing out on life.

A biomechanical assessment involves the assessment of these structures along with those in the leg, knee, hip and more to discover the true origin of your pain and provide solutions to get you back doing what you love. Through a thorough assessment a story can be painted on what is likely going on in your lower limbs and from this a plan can be made together to achieve improved function and pain free activity. Treatment options will often include therapeutic taping, dry needling, exercise/stretching prescription, shockwave therapy, footwear recommendations and possibly orthotic intervention.

What are orthotics?

Orthotics are specially design shoe inserts which can act on your foot and lower limb to reduce stress on particular parts of the musculo-skeletal system- whether this involves tendon, ligament, joint or muscle. They can also be used to improve performance and decrease the likelihood of specific injuries.

There are generally 3 types of orthotics –

• Off the shelf insoles– usually generic and non-specific – very hit and miss, sometimes does enough, often provides minimal change.

• Semi-custom orthotics– these are slightly improve off the shelf insoles that have been modified to suit your needs dependent on what was found in the biomechanical assessment. These are normally a lot more effective than the off the shelf type but are limited in customizable options, durability and strengths. These limitations can sometimes be make or break on the final result but your podiatrist should be able to tell you whether you need something more custom or not.

• Custom Orthotics – These devices are fully bespoke and custom made to your individual feet. Normally a cast/mould or 3d scan is taken of your foot after a full assessment. From this scan an orthotic can be made with literally thousands of customizable additions, materials, widths, shapes and designs. The choice of which will be completely custom to your suit your lifestyle, footwear, weight, age and biomechanics. These are always more expensive in the short term however tend to be more effective for a lot longer than the other options. Be sure a knowledgeable and reputable practitioner is prescribing these to ensure they are going to do what is intended.

So when should you see a podiatrist?

For successful recovery the sooner the better! If you have a pain or issue ongoing for more than a week then seek professional advice ASAP – that way the time taken to return to full fitness will be reduced.

Flawless feet offer several different clinic locations to meet the needs of our patients. Locations include:

Forest Hill Clinic | 30 Sydenham Road | Sydenham | London| SE26 5QF

Covent Garden Clinic | Good Vibes Studio | Betterton St | Covent Garden | London | WC2H 9BU

Croydon Clinic | 197a Shirley Road | Entrance In Valley Walk | Croydon | CR0 8SB

We look forward to welcoming you.

The team at Flawless Feet Podiatry & Laser Clinic

Call us on 02037138361 or simply Book Online