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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Testimonials
I’ve been coming to Steph for over a year now for toenail reconstruction and I can’t thank her enough for giving me my confidence back. My toenails have been damaged for years and I’ve always hidden my feet and felt self conscious about them but she’s made it possible for me to have them on show again and I’m so happy.
After two treatments by Stephanie it was gone! No sign of the verruca on my heel at all. Everybody asks does it hurt. Yes, it does for a very short time. Pay affects people in different ways, for me it was so worthwhile that if I had another verrucae, I would be straight in to see Stephanie. The Swift microwave therapy causes a very short burst of pain, which makes one jump, but is over in seconds. It is no worse than needling. As the treatment progresses the discomfort level decreases to the point where at the end, I could hardly feel it. It really is no big deal ad I would recommend SO Podiatry and the Swift microwave treatment to anyone.
I have seen Steph over the last nine months with a variety of foot ailments and found her to be very professional and approachable. However, most importantly, she has managed to cure my various problems – ingrowing toe nail, verrucae, biomechanics and corn under nail! I have no hesitation in recommending her.
I found the service I got from Stephanie of SO Podiatry was excellent. She was very professional, knowledgeable and seemed to genuinely care about getting a good outcome. I would have no hesitation in recommending her and using her again.
My 11-year-old daughter had multiple warts on her hands and multiple verruca on her feet. She was embarrassed and had low confidence due to these embarrassing skin lesions. We had tried helping her with over-the-counter remedies and nothing made a difference. We had read about swift microwave therapy and its success rate, so we booked an appointment to speak with Steph at SO Podiatry to see if this treatment would be successful. Swift microwave therapy was the treatment of choice and after two sessions the Veruca and warts have totally gone. Our daughter is now back to her cheerleading and rock climbing activities which she loves, and we’re pleased to say she is now a much happier and more confident girl.
I can certainly rate Stephanie. My painful verrucae have totally gone, It is such a relief to be able to be on my feet without any pain after all these years.
My 13yr old son first saw Stephanie for a biomechanics appointment. He had frequent calf strains/pulls, and had been injured for 8 weeks. As well as prescribing some insoles, Stephanie recommended specific strengthening exercises. He is now back to playing football 4 times a week, stronger than ever!
Six months ago I visited So Podiatry and Steph was absolutely amazing in assessing my stance, posture, walking and running gait and then arranging for my custom orthotic insoles to be made by a leading UK supplier. She was informative, knowledgeable and communicative throughout, and I felt that the service was excellent value for money. The orthotics are amazingly comfortable and it took no time at all to get used to wearing them. I recently ran my first marathon, Steph’s advice, treatment and the custom made orthotics made all the difference.
Knowing how Stephanie had helped a friend to be able to continue her professional dancing career, I knew I was seeing the right person for my injury. My expectations were more than satisfied in just three weeks and I have been able to walk pain-free after two sessions, the third visit just a check up. The healing and comfort level in my foot continues. Initially fearing I might be virtually house-bound and hobbling to get anywhere, I am able to forget any injury and lead my usual busy life with great joy … and I mean it!! I think everyone should see you Steph!
I used to suffer with incredible knee pain, it was a stabbing sensation that would stop me taking another step. It could be very painful, even at night so I took painkillers every morning and evening for it. Not any more. I just want to say thank you so much as can honestly say I haven’t had any pain in my knee since having MLS Laser treatment at SO Podiatry. I have since stopped taking all painkillers and I am using both legs as evenly as each other, it really is just amazing. At one point I thought I would need a knee replacement and now I’ve even thought about booking a cycling holiday.