Biomechanics and Orthotics
During your Biomechanics assessment, we will look at your foot and leg movement whilst walking. When required, we will prescribe exercises and custom made Orthotics to specifically correct and control any strains.
Biomechanics
Biomechanics is the study of joint and muscle movement. By looking at your posture and biomechanics as you move or stand, the underlying cause of your pain can be identified and eliminated. The way your feet work and the time in your step, at which they move - has a tremendous impact on the rest of your body... your feet are the foundations of your body. It is therefore essential that the action is as harmonious as possible. If the ankle roles in too much or too late (pronation) during your step, it causes your arch to excessively flatten. The arch flattening will lead to stress on the joints, muscles and ligaments of your foot, resulting in pain and predisposing you to osteoarthritis. The foot exists as part of bigger mechanism, hence twists and overloading will always be transmitted to neighbouring joints, including the ankle, knee, hip and back. Overtime or with the demands of taking up a new activity, this compensatory function can also start to fail, resulting in pain and loss of function higher up in the body, such as the knee.
The feet have a small surface area relative to the size and load of the body they must carry. Pain and disruption of locomotion really does get in the way of life and it is important to invest time and attention on your feet so that they last you a life time.
Biomechanic and Orthotics Testimonial Star
"By making me aware of problems with my biomechanics; prescribing me orthoses and recommending stretching and strengthening exercises. Ian Sadler has helped me not only improve my work life but also improve my overall physical health."
Sam Leggett
west london
At Brook Green Clinic, our Biomechanical expert will assess your feet and feel for areas of pain. They will also assess your body in action and evaluate the impact your feet are having on the rest of your body in the context of your lifestyle, activities and preferred choice of shoes.
At Brook Green Clinic, we use an integrated approach to our patient care. The podiatrist will advise you on foot care, running style, choice of shoes and provide hands on therapy & acupuncture with a prescriptive exercise plan to improve the function of your feet. The Podiatrist may also refer you to the practice Osteopath and will collaborate with them allowing you to reach your optimum.
Should there be a need for orthotics, our Podiatrist will discuss the various options and their practical and financial considerations.
Orthotics
An Orthotic is a device made to insert into the shoe to support and align the body and limbs; or to influence motion by assisting, resisting, blocking, or unloading part of the body weight, re-aligning the shape of your foot and rebuilding the foundations of your posture. They vary in size and flexibility and can be either pre-fabricated devices (not bespoke to an individual but a cheaper option) or custom made devices which are manufactured from a plaster cast of the feet and a bespoke prescription.
Orthoses will usually feel very strange at first and a period of slow and gradual introduction is often advised. You can often play sport on an orthotic device within 2 weeks of its issue, although everyone is different with respect to how they adapt to this change in position and movement of the foot.
Custom made Orthoses often come with a lifetime guarantee against breakage, but may require some maintenance to prolong their life, whereas pre-fabricated orthoses can often only last 1-2 years. A Podiatrist can advise you of the expected life span of a particular device depending on its structure and the activities being performed upon it.
Individuals seeing the Podiatrist under their private medical insurance should note that orthotic devices are not covered by any UK insurance provider so the cost has to be met by the patient.