Biomechanical Assessment
The way bones are shaped, joints move and muscles and soft tissues function dynamiclally contributes to the way we walk and move. During a biomechanical assessment, the joints, muscles and other soft tissues of the lower limb are assessed, with particular detail to areas of pain. During this assessment, the shape of bones, movement of joints and function of muscles, plus much more, are noted in non-weight-bearing and weight-bearing in order to understand possible causes of pain and dysfunction. What is noted in the biomechanical assessment will also form part of a ‘prescription’ if providing foot orthoses or braces.
Toe Joint Pain
Pressure studies allow the clinician to see the pressures, centre of gravity and centre of pressure that is occurring with each step and, when viewed in combination with your previous history, examination and video gait analysis helps to build a picture of your movement and how this may link in with your pain. In certain conditions such as Diabetes pressure studies have been proven to be useful in identifying potentially problem areas of the foot before any problems are seen.
Gait Analysis
Our centre is equipped with dual-camera video gait analysis systems making it possible to record movement and then analyse it frame by frame. The equipment can be used in-situ when looking at running on the treadmill, handheld to look at walking normally without the aid of a treadmill and also to review other movement patterns where necessary, such as particular movements in sport or in the work place. It is also possible for us to review video brought in or sent to us of, e,g, running in competition on a track or other activities that have been videoed elsewhere (most generic video formats are compatible with our software). Video gait analysis is an invaluable tool within our clinics and we also use it in gait re-training and footwear assessment, but it is always done alongside a full manual assessment so we know exactly what is causing your pain.
Foot Orthoses
Foot orthoses are devices that are worn in shoes either to change the way the foot works whilst walking or to provide cushioning or support. They are also used to address pains outside of the foot, such as ankle, knee, hip and back pain. We do not prescribe orthoses for all of our patients. Orthoses are very effective when prescribed correctly, but they are not appropriate for everyone and can cause more problems if prescribed when they shouldn’t have been.
