Biomechanical Assessment

What Is A Biomechanical Assessment?

A Biomechanical assessment involves an examination of the lower limbs, looking at their structure, alignment, strengths and weaknesses. The foot is a complex structure of 28 different bones, 214 ligaments and 38 muscles, bearing our body weight as we walk every day. A Podiatrist can carry out a biomechanical assessment with the view to identifying, diagnosing and treating many causes of foot, knee and back pain.

The examination is not focused simply upon the foot but includes the pelvis, legs and knees, assessing the relationship between them. It is important to examine the lower limbs as a whole because they are closely connected and pain in one area can be due to a weakness or structural problem in another area.

What Happens During A Biomechanical Assessment?

Your Podiatrist will want to know all about your pain and injury, for example how long its been there, what makes the pain worse, have you had any other treatment. Understanding the history of an injury is a very important part of the consultation.

Once a history of your pain or injury has been recorded your podiatrist will then carry out a series of joint and muscle tests to determine the quality and range of movement that you have. We use blend of high specification diagnostic equipment such as a pressure plate alongside experience and know how (manual tests) to really get to understand the way your body moves and how that might be causing pain.

How Long Does An Assessment Take?

It takes up to an hour to complete all the tests necessary, discuss the results and advise on the recommended treatment.

What Sort Of Treatment May I Need?

There are many different types of recommended treatments following a biomechanical assessment, depending upon your results. For people who have good structural foot mechanics, the podiatrist will advise on the best footwear in order to reduce the risk of foot problems. Simple changes such as wearing trainers designed for your gait or wearing insoles can be very effective.

If the podiatrist believes that your mechanics could be contributing to your injury or pain, insoles or custom made orthotics will be prescribed.

Patients are referred to a physiotherapist if they will benefit from exercises to improve muscle strength or flexibility. Referrals may also be made to other health care professionals or your GP. A biomechanical assessment will allow a Podiatrists to understand the way your body functions.