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A biomechanical assessment is when we examine the way your lower limbs work, checking for abnormalities and possible causes of pain in the foot, ankle, knee and back.

Very few people are completely symmetrical and this affects the way they stand and move. They may also have additional problems including particularly high or low arches in the feet, one leg longer than the other, or a sports injury. In some cases, people adapt to abnormalities without any problems; however, for other people they can cause pain as the joints, ligaments, muscles and tendons are put under extra stress when they move.
Once we’ve identified the problems that are causing the pain, we can advise on orthotics and made to measure insoles as well as exercises to improve strength and flexibility.

Why might I need a biomechanical assessment?
What does the test involve?

The test can take up to 50 minutes and you will need to wear shorts so that we can see your knees and lower limbs as you move.

The examination is divided into two sections:
A static assessment

During which we will take various measurements while you stand up and lie down
A dynamic assessment

During which we will video you as you walk  and run using a treadmill so we can analyse your gait (the way you move); you may also be offered digital gait analysis

Biomechanics is the study of human motion. The study of biomechanics is important when determining what causes injuries and therefore how we can prevent them re-occurring.  This is especially important in elite athletes but can be a major cause in recurrent injuries in the less gifted amateur athlete. 

Physiotherapists are professionally trained to detect biomechanical faults which can predispose you to injury. 

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Biomechanical analysis can involve:

  • gait analysis - study of your walking pattern. 

  • running analysis - study of your running style. 

  • video analysis or motion capture analysis. 

  • sports biomechanics - sport specific analysis. 

  • workplace analysis - study of how you do you job. 

  • biomechanics of running, sprinting, swimming, throwing etc. 

For more advice regarding biomechanics analysis, please consult with your podiatrist

During a consultation with our specialist Podiatrist, a biomechanics assessment is carried out and this involves an examination of the lower limbs.

 

The assessment will focus on the structure, alignment, strengths and weaknesses of the foot and will include the pelvis, legs and knees and how they work together as pain in one area can indicate a weakness or structural problem in another.

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A biomechanics assessment is very beneficial if there is pain in the feet or lower limbs but no cause has been established.

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There are many different types of recommended treatments following a biomechanical assessment. Depending on the results, and if the podiatrist believes that the mechanics could be contributing to injury or pain, insoles or custom made orthotics will be prescribed.

Focusing on the structure, alignment, strengths and weaknesses of your foot.

Biomechanical Assessment
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