A biomechanical assessment is an essential diagnostic tool used to evaluate the way your feet, ankles, and lower limbs function during movement. At Sassy Feet Podiatry, we offer biomechanical assessments to identify abnormalities in your posture, gait, and movement patterns. By understanding the mechanics of how you move, we can identify potential sources of pain or discomfort and develop a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.
Biomechanics is the study of how your body moves, and an assessment focuses on analysing the alignment and function of your feet, ankles, knees, and hips during standing, walking, and running. Whether you’re experiencing pain, discomfort, or just want to improve your overall foot health, a biomechanical assessment can provide crucial insights into your condition.
What is a Biomechanical Assessment?
A biomechanical assessment involves a thorough examination of the way your feet and lower limbs move and function during activities such as standing and walking. The primary goal is to identify abnormal movement patterns, muscle imbalances, or postural issues that may be causing discomfort or contributing to injuries.
Conditions Diagnosed Through Biomechanical Assessments
A biomechanical assessment is useful in diagnosing a wide range of conditions, including:
- Flat Feet (Pes Planus): Flat feet occur when the arches of the feet collapse, causing the foot to roll inward (overpronation). This can lead to pain in the feet, knees, hips, and lower back.
- High Arches (Pes Cavus): High arches can lead to an unstable gait, increased pressure on specific parts of the feet, and a higher risk of stress fractures and injuries.
- Overpronation: Overpronation occurs when the foot rolls inward too much during walking or running. This can lead to conditions like shin splints, plantar fasciitis, and knee pain.
- Supination (Underpronation): Supination happens when the foot does not roll inward enough, leading to excessive pressure on the outer edges of the foot. This can contribute to ankle sprains and other injuries.
- Plantar Fasciitis: An imbalance in the way you walk or run can lead to plantar fasciitis, a painful condition caused by inflammation of the tissue that connects your heel to your toes.
- Achilles Tendonitis: Biomechanical imbalances can also lead to issues with the Achilles tendon, causing pain and inflammation in the back of the heel.
- Bunions and Hammertoes: Abnormal foot alignment can lead to structural problems like bunions (a bony bump on the side of the foot) and hammertoes (a bent toe joint), which may require corrective treatment.
- Knee, Hip, and Back Pain: Poor foot alignment or abnormal walking patterns can affect the entire kinetic chain, leading to pain or discomfort in the knees, hips, or lower back.
When to Consider A Biomechanical Assessment
You should consider a biomechanical assessment if you experience:
- Chronic foot, ankle, knee, or back pain.
- Foot deformities such as bunions or hammertoes.
- Discomfort when walking or running.
- Difficulty standing for long periods without pain.
- Conditions like plantar fasciitis, shin splints, or Achilles tendonitis that have not improved with typical treatments.
Book Your Biomechanical Assessment Today
If you are experiencing foot pain, discomfort, or any of the symptoms mentioned above, a biomechanical assessment at Sassy Feet podiatry can help identify the cause of your condition and lead to an effective treatment plan.
