Podiatry Biomechanics
Podiatry biomechanics is the way in which the muscles, bones and joints of the feet and lower limb interact and move. Many problems caused by these biomechanic factors can impact you, leading to foot, heel or ankle pain such as plantar fasciitis or bunions, knee, hip and lower back issues and leave your gait seriously affected. Sports injuries are often incurred by these mechanical faults or inabilities.
At SO Podiatry’s Worcester clinic we look at your lower body functionality specifically in terms of impact absorption and propulsion. We assess the structure, alignment and function of your lower limb and foot using innovative computerised RS Scan technology along with visual and video analysis to measure your dynamic movements and function. This allows us to provide you with the best course of treatment.
Your foot is an amazing and complex structure; a lever system over which your whole body is propelled forwards.
The foot is also a shock absorber, cushioning anatomical structures within the foot and lower limbs from huge forces placed through it at every step. Foot function can alter due to a variety of factors including: genetics, ageing, physical stresses, disease processes, injury and poorly fitting footwear and pain. One or more of these factors can produce altered timing and function of the joints and soft tissues within the foot and lower limb resulting in impaired function.
Foot orthoses are a prescriptive treatment modality that modify or correct the biomechanical problem.
There are many types of foot orthoses available, these range from simple heel raises, cushioning insoles through to a complex custom made device. These devices are prescribed to alleviate symptoms and/ or provide functional change in gait.
Gait, whether walking or running, is a collective of complex moves that the body has to perform hundreds or thousands of times a day.
In order for good gait economy the timing of when the muscles and joints move is key. There are many factors that can change or influence this e.g. the ground surface, inclination of hill, soft or spongy footwear, metabolic diseases, joint arthritis, BMI (high or low), muscle strength, confidence etc. Clinically analysing gait can determine a possible cause to the symptoms and be a starting point in the management plan to getting back to pain free movement.
At SO Podiatry we are always happy to discuss any issues if you are not sure if you would benefit from coming along.
Many of our clients at SO Podiatry present with undiagnosed problems or have already diagnosed conditions, some of the following may occur: Heel pain, Plantar fasciitis, Achilles Tendinopathy, ankle pain, arthritis of the foot, painful big toe, bunions, painful corns, metatarsalgia, arch pain, shin pain, knee pain, hip pain, the list is endless.
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