BIOMECHANICAL ASSESSMENT
Our expert biomechanical assessment at MyFootMedic in Bedford is your first step towards optimal foot and lower limb movement. Don’t let discomfort hold you back – discover the root cause of your pain and get back to doing what you love.
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WHAT IS A BIOMECHANICAL ASSESSMENT?
A biomechanical assessment is a comprehensive examination of how your body moves, with a focus on your lower limbs. It’s like a detective story for your feet and legs, where our expert podiatrists uncover the hidden causes of your pain or discomfort, and look at ways to optimise movement.
During this assessment, our podiatrists may analyse:
- Your bone structure and joint movements
- Muscle strength and flexibility
- Tendon and ligament function
- Your walking and running patterns (gait analysis)
- Injuries or painful areas
This detailed evaluation helps us understand why you might be experiencing pain in your feet, ankles, knees, hips, or lower back. It’s not just about treating symptoms – it’s about finding and addressing the root cause of your discomfort and optimising the way you move.
WHY MIGHT YOU NEED A BIOMECHANICAL ASSESSMENT?
You might benefit from a biomechanical assessment if you’re experiencing:
- Persistent foot, ankle, knee, or hip pain
- Discomfort when walking or running
- Recurring sports injuries
- Uneven wear on your shoes
- Difficulty finding comfortable footwear
- Lower back pain that seems connected to present when walking or running
Even if you’re not in pain, a biomechanical assessment can be valuable for:
- Athletes looking to improve performance
- People starting a new exercise regimen
- Those with a family history of feet problems
- Individuals with medical conditions such as arthritis or foot drop
Remember, your feet are the foundation of your body. Small issues in foot function can have a ripple effect, causing problems higher up in your body.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING A BIOMECHANICAL ASSESSMENT?
When you come in for your assessment at MyFootMedic, here’s what you can expect:
Initial Consultation:
We’ll discuss your medical history, lifestyle, activity levels and any specific concerns you have.
Visual Examination:
Our podiatrists will look at your feet, legs, knees and hips, checking for any visible abnormalities.
Functional Tests:
We’ll assess your joint range of motion, muscle strength, and flexibility.
Gait Analysis:
We’ll observe how you walk and run, sometimes using a treadmill.
Footwear Assessment:
We’ll examine your shoes for wear patterns and discuss your typical footwear choices.
It’s all about gathering information to create a complete picture of your biomechanics, the way in which you move and your body functions.
HOW CAN A BIOMECHANICAL ASSESSMENT HELP YOU?
The insights gained from a biomechanical assessment can be life-changing. Here’s how it can help:
- Accurate Diagnosis: Pinpoint the exact cause of your pain or discomfort.
- Tailored Treatment Plans: Develop a personalised strategy to address your specific issues and optimise body movement.
- Injury Prevention: Identify potential problems before they cause pain or injury.
- Performance Enhancement: For athletes, small adjustments can lead to significant improvements.
- Long-term Health: Address issues now to prevent chronic problems in the future.
WHAT TREATMENTS MIGHT FOLLOW A BIOMECHANICAL ASSESSMENT?
Based on your assessment results, we might recommend:
- Specific Exercises: To strengthen weak muscles or improve flexibility.
- Footwear Advice: Recommendations for shoes that support your foot type.
- Prescription Orthotics: Tailor-made insoles to improve body function and gait.
- Ankle-Foot Orthoses: Prescription braces can be used to stabilise the ankle and improve movement.
- Gait Retraining: Techniques to improve your walking or running style.
- Manual Therapy: Hands-on treatments to improve joint mobility and muscle function.
- Shockwave Therapy: For certain soft tissue injuries or chronic pain conditions.
- Injection Therapy: For certain injuries, injections may be recommended to improve function or reduce symptoms.
In some cases, we might recommend point-of-care ultrasound imaging as an additional assessment (not included in appointment cost) or refer you for X-ray or MRI scans.
LET’S ANSWER YOUR BIOMECHANICAL QUESTIONS!
Typically, a full assessment takes between 45-60 minutes. We take the time to be thorough and ensure we gather all the necessary information. We have two types of MSK appointments that we offer: standard (45minutes) and advanced (60 minutes).
The assessment is non-invasive. If you’re already in pain, we’ll be gentle and work within your comfort levels, it may be necessary to simulate your symptoms in order to help with a diagnosis.
For most people, an assessment every 1-2 years is sufficient. However, if you experience new pain, start a new sport, or have significant changes in your activity levels, it’s worth coming in for a check-up.
Absolutely! We recommend assessments for children who complain of pain, seem off-balanced, or have noticeable gait abnormalities.
Many private health insurance plans cover podiatry services, including biomechanical assessments. However, we recommend you check with your provider for details before booking an initial appointment with us to check your coverage. We’re happy to provide any necessary documentation for your claim if you are covered.
BIOMECHANICAL ASSESSMENTS AT MYFOOTMEDIC IN BEDFORD
Don’t let foot pain or biomechanical issues hold you back from living your best life. At MyFootMedic, we’re passionate about helping you understand your body and optimising its function. Our state-of-the-art biomechanical assessments provide the insights to overcome pain, prevent injuries, and perform at your best. Take the first step towards pain-free movement and book your biomechanical assessment today.
