• Orthotics alter or modify foot function in order to treat biomechanical foot disorders. An effective
  method of treating foot, ankle, knee, hip and lower back pain.
• Orthotics are created by taking a cast of the individual patient’s foot and designing a device
  which corrects and balances abnormalities. This device can be used in the patient’s own shoes.
• We only use the highest quality Orthotics Laboratory to produce our custom made devices,
  meaning the quality is superior to most available on the market and the product may last
  anywhere between 5 – 10 years depending on usage

The examination is not focused simply upon the foot but includes the pelvis, legs and knees, assessing the
relationship between them. It is important to examine the lower limbs as a whole because they are
closely connected and pain in one area can be due to a weakness or structural problem in another
area.

What are the benefits of a Gait Analysis assessment?

A biomechanical or Gait Analysis assessment is very beneficial if you are experiencing pain in your feet
or lower limbs but no cause has been established. A biomechanical assessment is the starting point for
understanding the cause of your problem, what treatment is needed or whether further investigations
are necessary. The analysis allows us to write an accurate prescription for your Orthoses, otherwise it is like
buying eye glasses off the shelf with no prescription.

What happens during the assessment?

You will be asked to lie on a couch while the Podiatrist examines the joint range of motion of your hips,
knees and feet. Your muscle strength and weakness will also be assessed and the Podiatrist will look for
any signs of leg length discrepancy. The Podiatrist examines the structure of your foot, looking at the
relationship between the forefoot and rearfoot. While you stand in a relaxed stance, the alignment of
your feet and relationship to the lower legs will be assessed. Our Podiatrists use high-tech Video Gait
Analysis as part of a biomechanical assessment. You will be asked to walk and run on the treadmill in
order to precisely record your gait and the video will be played back for you to see and the Podiatrist to
examine. The Video Gait Analysis enables the Podiatrist to see whether there is any rotation in the pelvis
during running, any alignment problems and excessive foot movement which is often the source of Foot
& Ankle complaints.

What sort of treatment will I need after the assessment?

There are many different types of recommended treatments following a biomechanical assessment,
depending upon your results. For people who have good structural foot mechanics, the Podiatrist will
advise on the best footwear in order to reduce the risk of foot problems. Simple changes such as
wearing trainers designed for your gait or wearing insoles/orthotics can be very effective. If the Podiatrist
believes that your mechanics could be contributing to your injury or pain, insoles or custom made
orthotics will be prescribed or a steroid injection recommended.

Patients are referred to a physiotherapist if they will benefit from exercises to improve muscle strength or
flexibility. Referrals may also be made to an osteopath, sports doctor and rheumatologist. Patient may
also be referred for imaging such as X-rays, MRI’s, Ultrasound or CT-scans.