• Do you experience pain in your lower limb, hips or back and don’t know the cause?
• Have you tried treatments but are still experiencing chronic pain?
• You need a biomechanical assessment.

Biomechanics of the lower limb can be altered in many ways such as poor posture, muscle imbalances, injury and foot pain. This can result in changes in the feet which can have an impact on the whole body (ankles, legs, knees, hips, back and shoulders) due to the kinetic chains from the feet to the head vice versa.

Having muscle imbalances such as muscle tightness or weakness can result in an increased force/shock placed on the bones and soft tissue structures increase the risk of fractures, muscle tears, tendon ruptures and inflammation.

At Foot Lab Podiatry in Prestons, we offer a comprehensive biomechanical assessment which includes an assessment of the patient’s hips, knees, ankles and feet. The assessment involves testing the muscles, joints and ligaments of the lower limb to accurately diagnose the condition, the causative factor and any muscle weakness/imbalances. This is essential to prevent further damage and optimise the gait cycle. Additional referral radiological imaging such as X-ray or ultrasound can be used to confirm diagnosis.

Podosmart motion gait analysis can also be included in the biomechanical assessment based on the presenting condition.

At Foot Lab Podiatry a PODOSmart movement analysis technology can be incorporated with a comprehensive Biomechanical Assessment.

The technology provides 3D movement analysis for walking and running gait in real world conditions. The data provides a comprehensive review of your biomechanical patterns that cannot be seen by the naked eye, improving our diagnostic skills and treatment outcomes. Results are translated into clinical data in order to propose the most appropriate treatment.

A PODOSmart consultation will include motion analysis insoles being placed into your sport shoes. You will then be required to walk on a treadmill where data on the different cycles of gait are collected.

Measurement and data analysis of the following will be collected to generate a personal report. This report will further optimise custom orthotic prescription.

Measurement of spatiotemporal parameters

• Metrics: variability, asymmetry, gaitline, propulsion rate
• Kinematics: pronation/supination angle, foot progression angle, steppage, clearance
• Spatio temporal: speed, cadence, stride length and velocity, stance phase time, swing time, propulsion speed, double support, contact time