Biomechanics
What are Biomechanics?
Biomechanics is the study of how the body moves and how forces act on muscles, joints and bones during movement. In podiatry, biomechanics focuses primarily on how the feet, ankles and lower limbs function during everyday activities such as walking, running and standing.
A biomechanical assessment looks at how your feet interact with the ground, how your joints move, and how your muscles work together to support efficient movement. It is sometimes referred to as a musculoskeletal assessment, as it considers the entire kinetic chain rather than just one isolated area.
At Total Foot Health, all of our podiatrists are trained to assess and understand the biomechanical function of the foot as part of a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and treatment.
Why are Biomechanics important?
Your feet form the foundation of your body. If they are not functioning efficiently, it can place additional strain on other structures, including the ankles, knees, hips and lower back.
Biomechanics is important because it underpins all areas of podiatric medicine. Understanding how your body moves allows us to identify abnormal patterns, excessive loading, or restrictions that may be contributing to pain, injury or recurring problems.
Rather than treating symptoms alone, biomechanical assessment helps us identify the underlying causes of foot and lower limb issues, allowing for more accurate diagnosis and long-term management.
How do Biomechanics inform diagnosis?
Biomechanical assessment helps us understand how your body is functioning as a whole. By analysing movement, joint position and muscle function, we can identify areas that may require support, correction or rehabilitation.
Where intervention is needed, treatment plans are tailored to your individual biomechanics. This may include measures aimed at improving foot function, redistributing pressure, or addressing muscular imbalances.
Depending on your presentation and diagnosis, further treatments or referrals may be recommended. These are always based on clinical findings and your specific needs, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
What Happens During a Biomechanical Assessment?
A biomechanical assessment typically involves:
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Reviewing your medical and injury history
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Observing posture and alignment
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Assessing joint range of motion and muscle strength
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Analysing walking or running patterns where appropriate
This allows us to build a clear picture of how your feet and lower limbs are functioning during movement and how this relates to your symptoms.
A Foundation for Effective Treatment
By using biomechanical assessment as a foundation, we are able to make informed clinical decisions and recommend the most appropriate course of care for each individual.
Whether you are experiencing pain, recovering from injury, or looking to improve function and comfort, biomechanics plays a central role in ensuring treatment is targeted, evidence-based and effective.
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