Biomechanics can help to ease pain, heal injuries and improve performance in sports, but how does it work, and what does a biomechanical podiatrist do? Here’s everything you need to know….
What Is A Biomechanical Podiatrist?
A podiatrist is a medical professional who diagnoses and treats disorders of the feet and lower limbs. Some podiatrists specialise in different areas – for example, sport medicine, diabetes or biomechanics. Biomechanics refers to the way in which the muscles, joints and bones of the feet and lower limbs interact and move. All podiatrists will have knowledge of biomechanics, but some have a particular interest in this area of podiatry.
Biomechanics Can Get You Moving…
Biomechanical assessments look at the movement of your feet and limbs and, following this, a podiatrist can treat abnormalities and malfunction. Issues with the way the feet and lower limbs function can lead to lack of balance and increased likelihood of falling, pain (not just in the feet and legs, but also the back and hips) and a higher chance of sporting injuries. Correcting these problems can seriously improve overall health and wellness.
How Is A Biomechanical Assessment Carried Out?
During your appointment, a podiatrist will examine your feet and legs, and carry out a gait analysis. A gait analysis looks at the way you walk and measures where your feet land with each step. This is done in a number of ways, but state of the art technology such as Podosmart digital insoles give the clearest picture.
Following this, the podiatrist can diagnose your condition. Some of the most common issues are excessive supination (where the weight is placed on the outside of the foot when walking or running) and overpronation, which is the opposite. Both of these conditions can lead to pain and injury.
The Treatments A Biomechanical Podiatrist Can Offer…
Many conditions which are diagnosed following a gait analysis may be corrected with orthotics. These are special insoles designed to correct your gait, and can be bespoke. The podiatrist may also recommend a rehabilitation programme from a specialist Sports Rehabilitator which will build muscle, help to heal any existing injuries and get you back to peak fitness.
Real-Life Benefits of Biomechanical Assessments
Many patients have experienced significant improvements in their quality of life after undergoing a biomechanical assessment. For instance, a runner plagued by persistent shin splints discovered that overpronation was the root cause of their discomfort. After receiving custom orthotics and following a tailored rehabilitation programme, they were able to return to their training routine pain-free. Another example involves an office worker who suffered from lower back pain due to poor foot alignment. A biomechanical podiatrist identified the issue and provided corrective insoles, leading to a marked improvement in posture and reduced discomfort.
These real-world examples illustrate how biomechanical podiatry can address a wide range of issues, from sports-related injuries to everyday aches and pains. Whether you are an athlete aiming for peak performance or someone dealing with chronic pain, the right treatment can make all the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions About Biomechanics and Podiatry
Can a biomechanical podiatrist help with sports injuries?
Absolutely. Many sports injuries, such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, and knee pain, stem from biomechanical issues. By analysing your gait and foot function, a podiatrist can create a treatment plan that not only alleviates pain but also prevents future injuries. This may include orthotics, exercises, or modifications to your footwear.
Are orthotics customisable?
Yes, orthotics can be custom-made to suit your specific needs. A biomechanical podiatrist uses data gathered during your assessment to design insoles tailored to your foot structure and movement patterns. Custom orthotics are particularly effective for addressing conditions like overpronation, supination, and flat feet.
How long does it take to see results from treatment?
The timeline for results varies depending on the condition and the treatment plan. Some patients notice improvements within a few weeks of using orthotics or starting a rehabilitation programme. Others may require a longer period of consistent treatment and follow-up appointments to achieve the desired outcome.
The Role of Technology in Biomechanical Podiatry
Modern advancements in technology have revolutionised the field of biomechanics. Tools like Podosmart digital insoles provide detailed insights into your gait, capturing data on parameters such as step length, cadence, and pressure distribution. This information enables podiatrists to make precise diagnoses and develop effective treatment plans. By leveraging state-of-the-art equipment, Northwich Foot Clinic ensures that patients receive the highest standard of care.
Why Choose Northwich Foot Clinic for Biomechanics?
Located in the heart of Northwich, our clinic is dedicated to providing top-notch care to patients from Cheshire, Manchester, and the wider North West region. Our team of experts combines extensive experience with cutting-edge technology to deliver personalised treatment plans. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain or aiming to optimise your athletic performance, we’re here to help.
Conveniently accessible and equipped with the latest tools, Northwich Foot Clinic is the go-to destination for anyone seeking expert biomechanical podiatry services.
Book An Appointment Now
If you frequently experience injuries when exercising, suffer from foot, leg or back pain or simply want to ensure that you are reaching your sporting potential, it is a good idea to book a biomechanical assessment. At Northwich Foot Clinic, our podiatrists and Sports Rehabilitator are highly skilled and passionate about improving the quality of your life by treating those conditions that you don’t need to simply put up with. We use the latest technology to ensure that we work with the most in-depth information. Our clinic is based in the centre of Northwich, easily accessible for people in Cheshire, Manchester and across the North West. To book an appointment, simply head to our online booking page and select a Biomechanical Assessment (under the Podiatry heading). We look forward to welcoming you to our friendly, professional clinic.
