Biomechanical Assessment

A biomechanical assessment and scan involves an examination of the lower limbs, looking at the structure, alignment, strengths and weaknesses.

The foot is a complex structure of 28 different bones, 214 ligaments and 38 muscles, bearing our body weight as we walk every day.

The examination is not focused simply upon the foot but includes the pelvis, legs and knees, assessing the relationship between them. It is important to examine the lower limbs as a whole because they are closely connected and pain in one area can be due to a weakness or structural problem in another area.

A biomechanical assessment is very beneficial if you are experiencing pain in your feet or lower limbs but no cause has been established.  It is the starting point for understanding the cause of your problem, what treatment is needed or whether further investigations are necessary.

The biomechanical assessment itself is made up of 2 separate parts.

A thorough medical history and an on-couch examination whereby position, angle and joint range of motion are measured and a walking examination using the brilliant RSScan Footscan pressure mat.

There are many different types of recommended treatments following a biomechanical assessment, depending upon your results. For people who have good structural foot mechanics, the podiatrist will advise on the best footwear in order to reduce the risk of foot problems. Simple changes such as wearing trainers designed for your gait or wearing insoles can be very effective. If the podiatrist believes that your mechanics could be contributing to your injury or pain, insoles or custom made orthotics will be prescribed.