Biomechanics
Podiatric biomechanics involves the assessment of the structure,
alignment and function of the feet and legs. The foot is the only
part of the human body which is unique to the human which is why we
are able to walk upright. It has developed specifically so that it
can adapt to the surface upon which we walk. In the early stages of
our evolution, the terrain upon which we walked was varied and
uneven and the foot has a complex set of joints and muscles which
allow this process. However, we are now required to walk on hard,
flat man-made surfaces subjecting the foot and legs to low-grade
but repetitive movement.
The average person takes between 5,000 to 18,000 steps per day.
This low-grade but repetitive motion can place stress on the foot,
legs, pelvis and spine predisposing to pain and discomfort. If you
have a low-arched (pronated) or high arched (supinated) foot then
you may be more predisposed to problems. However, muscle
inflexibility and weakness, footwear and activity levels can all
affect function.
Detailed assessment of underlying structure and function can
help to identify factors that may be causing or contributing to
discomfort. The use of special shoe inserts (orthoses) (link) can
help to control the way in which the foot and therefore legs
function and thus reduce discomfort. However, attention to shoes
and muscle strength/flexibility can all improve function.
This section outlines our approach to biomechanical evaluation
and gait analysis with specific conditions and treatment options
available at our advice centre.