Available in Harare and coming soon to London.
What is a Biomechanical Assessment for Lower Limb Health?
A biomechanical assessment examines the movement of your lower limbs to diagnose imbalances that can cause pain or injury. Using advanced footscan technology, we capture detailed data on your gait and foot alignment to create personalized treatment plans, including 3D-printed insoles. This assessment is ideal for anyone with foot, knee, or back pain, as well as those with structural concerns like flat feet or high arches. For the best results, wear shorts or loose trousers to the appointment and bring your most frequently worn shoes.
What to expect during your appointment?
We look forward to having you in the clinic for your assessment. It would be recommended to bring a pair of shorts for this assessment or wear loose fitting bottoms to allow for full range of movement and rolling up above the knee. It would be advised to also bring two pairs of shoes you wear on a regular basis for assessment.
1/ Book your biomechanical assessment
2/ Wear loose fitted bottoms and bring your most commonly used shoes for review
3/ In-clinic foot scan and a hands-on podiatry assessment, with real-time results
4/ 3D orthotics ordering and fitting appointment upon orthotics arrival
How would a Biomechanical Assessment benefit me?
A biomechanical assessment can benefit you by identifying any abnormal movement patterns or imbalances in your feet, ankles, knees, or hips that may be causing pain, discomfort, or reduced mobility. By pinpointing these issues, it helps prevent further injury and improve your overall body alignment and function. Whether you’re experiencing chronic pain, recovering from an injury, or involved in sports, the assessment provides personalized insights to enhance your performance, reduce strain, and ensure long-term foot and lower limb health.
Additionally, the data gathered from a biomechanical assessment can be used to create custom solutions like orthotics or 3D-printed insoles, providing targeted support and relief tailored to your specific needs.
What lower limb structural concerns would benefit from orthotics?
Several lower limb structural concerns may require orthotics to help correct alignment, relieve pain, and improve function. Here are some common conditions where orthotics can be beneficial:
Flat Feet (Pes Planus)
Individuals with flat feet lack a natural arch, which can lead to overpronation (excessive inward rolling of the foot). This can cause discomfort and strain on the feet, ankles, knees, hips, and lower back. Orthotics provide arch support and distribute pressure more evenly.
Overpronation
Excessive inward rolling of the foot during walking or running can lead to issues like shin splints, knee pain, and Achilles tendonitis. Orthotics are designed to correct this imbalance by stabilizing the foot and improving alignment.
Supination (Underpronation)
When the foot rolls outward excessively, it can create imbalances and increase pressure on certain areas of the foot. Orthotics help to improve shock absorption and balance, preventing further injury.
Bunions (Hallux Valgus)
A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe. Custom orthotics can help realign the foot and reduce pressure on the affected area, potentially slowing the progression of the deformity.
Heel Spurs
Heel spurs are calcium deposits that can cause sharp pain in the heel, especially with walking or standing. Orthotics with proper cushioning can relieve pressure on the heel and provide shock absorption.
Metatarsalgia
Pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot can be caused by excessive pressure or poor foot mechanics. Orthotics provide cushioning and distribute weight more evenly across the foot.
Shin Splints
This condition, characterized by pain along the shinbone, is often caused by overpronation or improper foot mechanics. Orthotics can provide better foot alignment, reducing strain on the lower legs.
Achilles Tendonitis
Inflammation of the Achilles tendon is often linked to biomechanical issues such as flat feet or high arches. Orthotics can improve foot alignment and reduce stress on the tendon.
Leg Length Discrepancy
When one leg is longer than the other, it can cause imbalances in gait and posture, leading to discomfort in the lower limbs, hips, and back. Orthotics can include heel lifts to correct the discrepancy and improve balance.
High-Arched Feet (Pes Cavus)
High arches, or excessive supination (outward rolling), can cause instability and increase the risk of ankle sprains, foot fatigue, and pressure points. Orthotics can help cushion the arch and redistribute weight more evenly.
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner’s Knee)
Misalignment of the feet can lead to abnormal tracking of the kneecap, causing pain in the front of the knee. Orthotics can help realign the lower limbs and reduce knee strain.
Arthritis (Rheumatoid or Osteoarthritis)
Arthritis in the feet can lead to joint pain, swelling, and deformities. Orthotics provide cushioning and support to alleviate pressure on painful joints and improve foot function.
Plantar Fasciitis
This condition involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. Orthotics can provide arch support and heel cushioning to reduce strain on the plantar fascia, alleviating pain.
Diabetic Foot Problems
Individuals with diabetes are prone to foot ulcers, poor circulation, and neuropathy. Custom orthotics provide additional support and reduce pressure points, helping to prevent injury and promote foot health.
Morton’s Neuroma
A thickening of the tissue around a nerve between the toes, often causing pain or discomfort. Orthotics can help by redistributing pressure and reducing irritation on the affected nerve.
Who can wear orthotics?
Orthotics can be worn by individuals of all ages, from young children to the elderly, depending on their specific needs. Here’s a breakdown of how orthotics can benefit different age groups:
Children
Ages 9-14: As children grow, conditions like Sever’s disease (heel pain in growing children) or flat feet may require orthotics to alleviate discomfort and support their foot structure.
Teenagers
Ages 15-19: Orthotics can help teenagers, particularly those involved in sports, manage conditions like shin splints, plantar fasciitis, and overpronation. They can also assist in managing growth-related issues such as knee or heel pain.
Adults
Ages 20-50: Orthotics are commonly used by adults to address biomechanical issues like flat feet, high arches, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and sports injuries. Orthotics also help prevent and manage chronic pain in the lower back, knees, and hips related to foot misalignment.
Seniors
Ages 50+: As people age, conditions like arthritis, bunions, diabetic foot issues, and general foot pain become more common. Orthotics provide cushioning, shock absorption, and support to improve mobility, reduce pain, and prevent complications such as falls.