Biomechanical Assessment / Gait Analysis

Everything in the Universe that moves – changes. Humans are not an exception to this phenomenon. As we move around planet Earth, walking, running and, well, doing anything, the forces that we are generating by moving our bodies are also being absorbed by our bodies, and we are changing…!

We’re not ‘like’ a car, our body ‘is’ our car. Just like a car, as our mileage increases, things are slowly moving out of alignment, or out of sync, until, one day, often completely out of the blue – we notice something that’s not ‘right’. In a car, we might suddenly notice an odd knocking sound, or perhaps the ‘handling’ doesn’t seem right, or we smell something overheating and think that perhaps we might need to take the car in for a check or service.

In the body, a foot pain appears from nowhere, a toe appears to be moving off in another direction, our arches seem lower, or we just sense that something isn’t right. Tiny changes happening constantly over time add up. A biomechanical assessment is the equivalent of taking your car into the garage to let someone have a look under the bonnet, so to understand what changes have happened that are causing your symptoms, and therefore how to re-tune your engine to get you back on the road. As in life – you just need to know a good garage.

Who needs a biomechanical assessment?

Anyone concerned about problems when walking, running or performance may have a biomechanical issue. Recurring aches, pains or injuries, or a change in foot shape, such as lowering of the arches or toes clawing/changing position, may all relate to underlying changes. A podiatrist, physiotherapist, osteopath, orthopaedic surgeon, or GP may have suggested someone to see Daud, our specialist podiatrist, for an assessment, or you just feel that something is not right with the way you walk or run and feel a biomechanical assessment is a good place to start.

Daud treats both children and adults, and with a wide variety of disabilities. Having been through his own personal journey to the very top of sport (he trialled for the England football team) Daud also treats athletes from a wide range of disciplines up to Elite Level.

What does a biomechanical assessment involve?

A biomechanical assessment looks at the way joints and muscles of the legs and feet work together, so typically Daud may examine your knees, ankle and feet, often both while standing and sitting. You may walk up and down, or sometimes Daud uses gait analysis technology to see how the foot is functioning in complex cases. Once he understands the underlying cause of your problems, he can explain what he can do to help. Treatment may involve stretches, exercises, manipulations, or orthoses – a type of insole that make your feet move in a better way, and if you need any further treatment in the future.

If a problem needs further investigation, for example an x-ray, MRI, or blood test, Daud can discuss how we can most effectively get the help you need, whether that is via your GP, or privately if you prefer, though we will only communicate with other healthcare or medical professionals with your approval.

What should I bring to a biomechanical assessment?

When attending a biomechanical assessment, we recommend going through the following checklist:

• Wear loose trousers that can be rolled above the knees, or bring some shorts to change in to
• Bring in anything anyone has given you in the past for your problems, such as old orthoses or insoles, even if they did not help
• Bring in a selection of shoes that you normally wear, including your every day shoes and any used for specific sports
• Bring a list of anything you think is relevant, such as a history of any injuries, surgery or medication you are taking