Podiatry First are Experts in Biomechanical Movement

Abnormal foot biomechanics is a major contributing factor in the development of pain and injury in the feet, ankles, knees and legs. Our experienced podiatrists are highly skilled health professionals trained to detect biomechanical abnormalities that may be the cause of your pain or may predispose you to injury.

Foot and leg biomechanics incorporates a comprehensive evaluation of the structure, alignment and function of the feet and legs while standing and during walking. The information gained from the biomechanical assessment and gait analysis helps our Podiatrist’s to recommend the most effective treatment program for your specific problem.

This individualized approach to assessment and treatment provides effective, targeted and prompt recovery from injury and relief of painful symptoms.

A biomechanical assessment involves the following

  • Alignment of the foot, ankle, knee and leg
  • Visual gait analysis – using slow motion video analysis
  • Joint flexibility including screening for Joint Hypermobility
  • Foot and leg muscle strength testing – to detect muscle imbalances and weakness
  • Balance and pelvic stability tests
  • Screening for limb length discrepancy

Our podiatrists are specifically trained to detect and treat biomechanical problems that cause injury, pain and disability.

By identifying and improving your biomechanics, our podiatrists can help you to return to your chosen sport or exercise, maximize your athletic performance and, importantly, minimize the risk of injury recurrence.

Motion analysis

Your biomechanics in motion are then analysed, using highly effective gait analysis software utilising a treadmill to watch your unique walking and running pattern.

The digital camera allows for freeze-frame analysis of specific points in the gait cycle. Your Sports Medicine Podiatrist will analyse the degree of supination of the foot at contact, the degree of pronation during stance, the timing of pronation and the degree of re-supination at toe off. This information is critical in determining the causation factors in your particular injury.

These causes are usually a combination of factors, such as poor flexibility, strength and misalignment of the foot or lower leg. From the information gained during this session, your Sports Podiatrist will be able to design a thorough treatment plan to solve your unique injury. This may involve the following:

  • Orthotic therapy: Custom made insoles to correct abnormal foot and leg biomechanics to reduce strain and loading on affected areas and to correct posture.
  • ESWT- Sound wave therapy designed to heal injured tissue very quickly and loosen chronically tight muscles.
  • Flexibility exercises: various stretches for the gastrocnemius/calf muscle, soleus and any other leg, hip or back muscles which are found to be tight.
  • Strength exercises: dorsiflexion, plantar flexion, eversion and inversion exercises using resistance bands and closed chain ankle plantar flexion exercises standing, with static inversion and eversion.
  • Core stability exercises: abdominal hollowing to improve the lumbar control and posture, standing pelvic tilting to improve the gluteals’ ability to keep the pelvis level during the swing phase.

Your sports medicine podiatrist also helps you decide on the correct training shoes, recommending the shoes that suit your particular foot type and problem, and checking the effectiveness of the shoe using the digital camera.

Modern sports medicine podiatry must recognise the individual patient’s needs and customise the rehabilitation program accordingly, to provide an exceptional service and get to the bottom of all your biomechanical problems.