Biomechanical Assessments
Biomechanics is the science concerned with the internal and external forces acting on the human body and the effects produced by these forces. In sports that involve walking, running or change of direction, good technique is essential to enhance and improve performance. Basic walking and running patterns may be considered to be a foundation of good performance.
All injuries have a cause, which can often be difficult to find. Unless the cause is found and dealt with, the problem can persist or become recurrent. Biomechanical assessments focus on assessing your body in great depth to pin point the cause of the problem and highlight how to correct or eradicate the cause.
The assessment uses state of the art technology to examine alignment, weight distribution, walking, running and leg length to name a few. One of its main uses is the ability to create bespoke and perfectly fitted orthotics (insoles) to correct many problems including flat feet, back pain and knee pain. Biomechanical assessment has helped many people in the rehabilitation from injury and can help to prevent re-injury. All CTC physiotherapists are trained to carry out biomechanical assessments.
Because perfect feet are very rare, almost anyone can benefit from orthotics. They can prevent and alleviate many of the common foot complications that cause discomfort in otherwise healthy people. An analogy can be made between orthotics and eyeglasses. Both adjust bodily imperfections that inhibit people from functioning at their maximum physical potential.
Over time, stresses on the feet can deform them. One of the foot's main functions is to absorb shock as the body's weight shifts with each step. It does this through a complex process in which the arch of the foot flattens slightly. This absorbs and distributes the weight throughout the entire foot. There are two major problems that can occur in this mechanism.
The first occurs when the arch does not flatten at all. This typically occurs in a person with a high arch, called a cavus foot. Because the arch does not flatten, it absorbs shock poorly. Instead of spreading it throughout the entire foot, the weight of the body falls only on the heel and the bases of the toes. This increases stress on the foot, especially the heel. Furthermore, because the weight is not absorbed well in the foot, it radiates up the leg to other joints. Over time, this can cause pain in the knees, hips and lower back.
To correct this condition, an orthotic is used to bring the ground into even contact with the rest of the foot. This allows the entire foot to support the weight of the body. Extra cushioning can be built into the orthotic so that some of the force does not even reach the foot.
A different problem results if the arch flattens too much. This is known as an over pronated planus or flat foot type. In such cases, the weight distribution on the foot is too far on the medial-inner side. A flat foot is unstable and cannot maintain a proper arch. Over time, the weight of the body on an unstable foot will cause the bones of the foot to become misaligned. This can lead to the development bunions, hammer toes and other foot deformities, as well as knee, hip and lower back pain.
To address this problem, an Orthotic with an increased arch will be prescribed to distribute the weight laterally. Depending on shape of the foot, the heel of the Orthotic can be slanted to shift the weight more toward the center of the heel.
If you have any further questions, would like to book a biomechanical assessment or would like to re-order a pair of Orthotics please contact us on our contact page or call 01270 588244
