Biomechanics & Orthotics

The foot is a incredibly complicated functional part of the body.? There are 26 bones in the adult foot (10% of the entire bones in the human body).? The foot also contains many muscles (4 layers in the sole), tendons and ligaments.? This requires a comprehensive lower limb musculo-skeletal (biomechanical) assessment of your injury history. Followed by an analysis of joint alignment and range of motion, this will help to determine any postural and muscular imbalances which maybe causing or exacerbating your symptoms.

In order to treat this postural misalignment or muscle imbalance, foot mobilisation or manipulation techniques maybe used. This maybe accompanied with massage and muscular stretching and strengthening programmes.

Orthotics

Often orthotics may also be prescribed. These are specialised inserts which fit inside shoes in order to reduce the stress on the bodies soft tissue?when a biomechanical misalignment is present.

Orthotics prescribed can be custom made (bespoke) or non custom made (off the shelf) and can be manufactured if bespoke to fit a variety of footwear from standard shoes to fashion footwear and sports footwear depending on what is required.

Conditions that may require orthotic therapy include plantar fasciitis, sesamoiditis, heel pain, metatarsalgia (pain in the ball of the feet) including mortons neuroma , knee pain, shin splints, hip pain and lower back pain. Also, flat feet (including children).? Orthotics can also be used to augment rehabilitation therapy for postural issues.

Orthotics can also be prescribed in order to improve performance/endurance and prevent injuries with athletes where a biomechanical anomaly is discovered.

Paediatric foot assessments are also carried out where flat feet or foot pain is present which can also improve foot development and general posture.