BIOMECHANICAL ASSESSMENTS, GAIT ANALYSIS AND FOOT ORTHOSES IN STREATHAM, LONDON
• Quality biomechanical assessments for adults and children
• Experience combined with advanced technology
• Improve walking and running with reduced pain and injuries
Biomechanical Assessment / Gait Analysis
Our body is identical to the moving parts in the engine of a car – lots of individual bits working together most of the time. And, just like a car, as the mileage increases, things slowly move out of alignment, or out of sync, and we suddenly realise something isn’t right – the handling doesn’t seem right, or a warning light appears on the dashboard, or we smell something overheating.
In the body, the same thing is happening. A foot pain appears from nowhere, a toe appears to be moving in a direction, our arch seems 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
What’s the difference between a Biomechanical Assessment and Gait Analysis?
A biomechanical assessment could refer to the assessment of any part of the body to help a problem or improve performance. For example, you could biomechanically assess the actions of a javelin thrower to see if altering the throw could gain extra distance, but when most of the time the term is used for the legs and feet when walking and running. ‘Gait’ specifically refers to how you walk. So, when you are standing or sitting, you are being biomechanically assessed, and when we look at you walking, we are analysing your gait.
Is treatment expensive?
You could think of your foot examination as the same for an eye examination. The examination of the eye is first needed to show what treatment is necessary, and only then can you discuss the various options. Many problems are fairly simple to solve, and some problems require complex solutions. The point of the assessment is very much to find out exactly what the problems are, so to have a discussion about options and the best way forward for you.
How much do you charge for orthoses?
Some simple orthoses/insoles could cost around £80, while something custom made from a cast taken from your foot might be approximately £300. We can only determine what is needed after finding out what the underlying problem is, but there are usually options available for all budgets.
