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BIOMECHANICAL ASSESSMENT

WHY DO A BIOMECHANICAL ASSESSMENT?

The basis of a biomechanical assessment is the cause-and-effect relationship between your foot, legs and upper body.

A foot that is not functioning in alignment is not a good shock absorber. This places abnormal stresses on your spine. With every step, shock is transmitted through your body. If your feet are balanced, they can absorb much of that shock. But if they’re not in balance, the shock can add strain to upper body structures such as knees, hips and the spine. Over time, your body will attempt to compensate for imbalances and can cause pain in areas such as your knees, hips, pelvis, lower back and neck.

The most effective stabilisation and realignment for your body is based on the amount of imbalance in your weight-bearing feet, and the amount of physical stress added by your occupation, lifestyle or sporting and leisure activities. Evaluating all of these factors allows your podiatrist to prescribe the correct support level that will most effectively meet your individual needs.

WHEN IS A BIOMECHANICAL ASSESSMENT REQUIRED?

Do your feet roll in or out? Are your arches flat or high? Do you have bunions, claw toes, corns or callous?

Are you aware that when you walk you feel lopsided or feel excessive pressure on any particular part of your body?

Do you have pain associated with occupational or sporting activity that is repetitive and constant?

Do you have new or longstanding pain in the back, hip, legs, knee or feet?

Does a particular sporting or occupation activity contribute to joint/muscle overload?

Assessment may be targeted at a particular problem or aimed at prevention.

WHAT DOES A BIOMECHANICAL ASSESSMENT INVOLVE?

Biomechanical assessments involve a number of key elements and tests that are used to obtain a clear overview of the body’s movement behaviour, restrictions and possible compensations that are taking place. These include:

STATIC ASSESSMENTS

Non-weight bearing anatomical examination, muscle testing, and weight bearing lower limb posture examination.

Tests which may be performed by Highett Podiatry include:

  • Assessment of resting / neutral calcaneal standing position
  • Foot posture index
  • Ankle, knee and hip ROM assessment

DYNAMIC ASSESSMENTS

  • Includes:
  • Video gait analysis
  • Strength / postural testing exercises

At Highett Podiatry we currently use an application called ‘Coaches Eye’ which can be used to assess the patient’s gait and is a simply way for the patient to visualise their own foot posture.

ALWAYS CONSULT A TRAINED PROFESSIONAL

The information in this resource is general in nature and is only intended to provide a summary of the subject matter covered. It is not a substitute for medical advice and you should always consult a trained professional practising in the area of medicine in relation to any injury or condition. You use or rely on information in this resource at your own risk and no party involved in the production of this resource accepts any responsibility for the information contained within it or your use of that information.