Podiatric Biomechanics

ALL ABOUT THE APPOINTMENT, AND SOLUTIONS

How it all works

Okay, we've included a fair amount of information here, because we're keen that before investing in a biomechanics assessment you get the full picture. During this session, your Podiatrist will ask about the pain you're dealing with, and work with you to identify the source of the problem. The assessment does not focus solely on the foot; we also assess the knee, hip, pelvis and spine, and how they all work together. It is important to take a holistic approach because pain in one area can often be caused by weakness or poor alignment somewhere else. It's quite possible that the site of the discomfort isn't necessarily where the problem originates; lower back pain, for example, can sometimes be the result of poor foot function.

As part of your assessment, we'll watch how you move while walking and take a close look at your gait and the way you load through your lower limbs, using visual assessments and FootScan technology. This combination allows us to measure precisely how your feet load with every step. Overall, this provides a complete picture of how you move, helping us identify areas of overload or imbalance that may not always be obvious through observation alone. We may also need to examine your legs, feet and lower back to build a full understanding of what's causing your symptoms.

Footscan technology - it's all very clever, trust us.
As part of your biomechanical assessment, we use Footscan technology to build an even clearer picture of how your feet function. As you walk naturally across the Footscan plate, thousands of sensors measure exactly how pressure moves through your feet with every step. This allows your Podiatrist to identify areas of overload, imbalance and abnormal loading patterns that aren't always visible to the naked eye.

The information gathered doesn't replace the expertise of your Podiatrist - it enhances it. Combined with your assessment, it helps us better understand the cause of your symptoms, explain our findings more clearly, and, where appropriate, design highly personalised treatment plans and custom orthotics based on the way you actually move.

It's also worth noting that Dom and Sarah also own and operate Total Therapy Studios which for over 14 years has been the home of physical therapy and movement classes in Horsham. This means that if there are broader issues at play, or you'd like to explore other treatment or class options to get you moving right, you can do so staying within the same organisation.

Once they've finished the assessment and figured out what’s causing the issue, they’ll explain the best way to treat it. We've outlined some of these possible solutions below:

Fully bespoke exercise plan
We are able to put together an exercise plan for you, which will be bespoke to your unique needs. These exercises are focused on correcting your movement, and in many cases may be enough to get you out of discomfort. You've got to do them though of course; we can't do them for you!

Orthotics or insoles
To correct the function of your feet we may recommend an orthotics or insole. These are designed to help change the positioning and movements of the feet, which can help to relieve discomfort in the heels and knees. We stock a full range of these, and also take the time to modify these to your unique requirements. We're also proud to work with Phits Orthotics too, which are 3d printed specially for you supported by the information directly provided by our FootScan system. Clever eh?

Price of biomechanics assessments
Our biomechanical assessments are £120, reflecting the time, expertise and technology involved in understanding the true cause of your discomfort. Rather than simply treating the symptoms, we carry out a comprehensive assessment of how you move, using advanced Footscan technology alongside a detailed clinical examination to build a complete picture of your biomechanics. For many people, identifying and addressing the underlying cause of a problem is one of the best investments they can make in their long-term comfort, mobility and foot health.

Unashamably lots of information there -we hope we've been as clear as we can! So if you're living with pain in your feet, ankles, knees, hips or back, don't just put up with it. A biomechanical assessment can help uncover the underlying cause of the problem, allowing your Podiatrist to recommend the treatment that's right for you. If you'd like to find out more we'd love to hear from you - or, if you're ready to get started, simply click the button below to book your appointment online.

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Plantar Fasciitis

Inflammation of the plantar fascia - the thick band of tissue running from your heel to your toes. Typically presents as sharp heel pain, especially with first steps in the morning or after rest.

Achilles Tendinopathy

An overuse condition affecting the Achilles tendon, often linked to increased activity or load. Common in runners and active adults, presenting as stiffness, thickening, or pain at the back of the heel.

Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome)

Irritation of the muscles and connective tissues along the inner border of the tibia. Usually load-related, with pain developing during or after activity like running or long periods on your feet.

Metatarsalgia

Pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot, often due to excessive pressure or poor load distribution. Common in running and jumping activities, or with certain foot types.

Morton’s Neuroma

A thickening of tissue around a digital nerve, typically between the toes. Can cause burning pain, tingling, or the feeling of “walking on a pebble”.

Heel Spur

A small bony growth on the heel, often associated with long-term strain on the plantar fascia. Not always painful itself, but commonly seen alongside plantar fasciitis.

Heel Pain

A broad symptom with multiple potential causes, including plantar fasciitis, Achilles issues, or load-related irritation. We focus on identifying the exact driver rather than guessing.

Knee Pain

While knee pain can come from injury or medical conditions, poor foot mechanics often play a role. We assess how forces travel from the ground up into the knee joint.

Lower Back Pain

Often linked to how the body moves as a whole. Altered foot function can contribute to poor alignment and increased strain through the lower back over time.

Flat Feet (Pes Planus)

Reduced or absent arch height can affect how forces are distributed through the foot and up the body, sometimes leading to fatigue or overuse injuries.

High Arches (Pes Cavus)

A more rigid foot type with reduced shock absorption, often leading to increased pressure in specific areas and a higher risk of injury.

Overpronation

Excessive inward rolling of the foot during walking or running. Can contribute to a range of issues from foot pain to knee and hip problems.

Supination (Underpronation)

Limited inward movement of the foot, often resulting in poor shock absorption and increased stress through the outer foot and lower limb.

Foot Fatigue

Persistent aching or tiredness in the feet, usually linked to inefficient biomechanics rather than just being on your feet all day.

Recurring Corns & Callus

Repeated build-up of hard skin is often a sign of abnormal pressure or friction - we address the underlying cause, not just the surface.

Running-Related Injuries

If pain keeps returning when you run, there is usually a mechanical reason behind it. We assess and adjust how your body handles load.