Biomechanical Assessment

What is Biomechanical Assessment?

A Podiatric Biomechanical Assessment involves the analysis of the lower limb’s (hip, leg, ankle, heel and feet):

• Movement
• Structures, and
• Mechanics.



Who Requires a Podiatry Biomechanical Assessment?

Symptoms that may require a Biomechanical Assessment to be scheduled could include:

• Lower limb pain including Knee, Shin, Ankle, Achilles, Heel, Arch, or Forefoot Pain
• Post surgery assessments
• Instability or weakness of the foot or ankle
• Concerns for gait patterns
• Shoe wear, or
• Injury

What Happens During a Biomechanical Assessment?

Initially, the patient may describe some basic concerns or describe various symptoms with their podiatrist.

As with any consultation, a thorough case history is taken to identify

• any causal effects, or
• risk factors.

During a Biomechanical Assessment your podiatrist will:

• Assess the range of motion in all joints of the feet, and possibly the knees and hips, if clinically necessary,
• Test your muscles, looking at strength, symmetry and range of motion,
• Perform a postural assessment to assess any anomalies in the shoulder and hip,
• Measure any leg length differences,
• Review your basic foot and ankle stance position,
• Assess your gait to studies the way you walk, and your gait pattern’s efficiency, and
• Review your footwear history.

If deemed clinically necessary, your podiatrist may also refer you for imaging (for example X-ray or ultrasound).

What Happens After a Podiatry Biomechanical Assessment?

After the Biomechanical Assessment, your podiatrist will advise you of the findings and possibly suggest steps required to address any issue or treatments to resolve any Biomechanical problem.

A common treatment could include:

• Orthotics
• Trigger Point Therapy
• Shockwave Therapy
• Anti-inflammatory
• Rest