What is biomechanics?
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Print this pageBy Katriona Macklin BSc (Hons) PG Dip MChS
Podiatrist
> Why would I have a biomechanical assessment?> A basic biomechanical assessment
> Gait analysis
> Video analysis
> Pressure analysis
> Treatment
A podiatrist specialising in biomechanics is concerned with the movement of the body. Podiatrists have a specific interest from a foot-up perspective, specialising in the lower limb, although it is vital to look at the body holistically. Ultimately, a clinician is trying work out the mechanism of injury or pain. Over the years podiatrists, other clinicians and scientists have collated information on how the body should move and function. This goes back to primate times and evolution.
Why would I have a biomechanical assessment?
Most people have a biomechanical assessment because they are experiencing pain within the lower limb. This pain can be anywhere from the back down into the feet. You do not have to have a specific sports injury, it may just be pain which is present when walking or doing a specific movement. Occasionally, people attend biomechanical appointments in an attempt to improve posture or prevent and reduce the risk of injury. General conditions commonly treated include -| Toe pain | Foot pain |
| Heel pain | Ankle pain |
| Shin splints (medial tibia stress syndrome) | |
| Shin pain | Calf pain |
| Knee pain | Hip pain |
| Iliotibial band pain (Iliotibial band fiction syndrome) | |
| Buttock pain | |
| Lower back pain, including limb length differences | |
A basic biomechanical assessment
At a biomechanical assessment, a full medical history should be recorded specifically taking details on the injury or site of pain. It is also important for the podiatrist to know about any previous accidents, fractures and surgery.A static standing assessment will look at your relaxed posture and alignment. A couch examination will involve analysis of the hips, knees, ankles and the joints in your feet including the muscles. The podiatrist will be looking at the range and quality of movement available and comparing this to the opposing limb as well as to what we think is "normal".
Video analysis
Some podiatrists may offer video analysis. Hand-held cameras can be used to film an individual walking, running or playing their specific sport. There are also many hi-tech systems on the market which may involve more than one camera at a time. It is wise to clarify the costs involved. Sometimes this is included within the initial assessment but it may also be provided if needed during a separate appointment with an additional cost.The video analysis is a useful tool as dynamic motion can be analysed in slow motion helping to establish the mechanism of injury or compensation. It is also a very useful teaching tool to explain what is happening dynamically.
Pressure analysis
Pressure analysis
Pressure analysis may also be used within the biomechanical assessment. There are two different systems available, a pressure mat and an in-shoe system. Both record dynamic pressure loading patterns enabling the podiatrist to accurately determine dynamic foot function. This can be used during the initial appointment but is sometimes only used once you have been issued an orthotic so that the podiatrist can evaluate the amount of control provided by the orthotic. Generally this assessment will be performed at an additional cost and prices will vary.Treatment
Treatments include the following -- Rest
- Training advice
- Exercise advice; stretching and strengthening
- Footwear advice; day and sport shoes
- Strapping
- Padding
- Toe splints
- Ultrasound
- Mobilisation techniques
- Deep Tissue massage
- Dry needling (acupuncture)
- Steroid injections
- Off-the-shelf orthotics (see Orthotics)
- Custom made orthotics (see Orthotics)
- Further investigations including x-rays, diagnostic ultra-sound, MRI...
- Referrals to physiotherapist, osteopaths, sports doctors...
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