Biomechanics Orthotics
Biomechanics & Orthotics
A podiatrist can tell a lot by the way that you walk or run. As we walk our feet go through some very complex movements as we walk. They need to be stable enough to take all of our bodyweight, and be flexible enough to adapt to the surface we either walk or run on and be able to function correctly so that we can propel ourselves forward, all of this in less than a second.
Biomechanics are vital to our every journey that we take, whether it is a simple walk or a marathon. If our gait (the way we walk) is causing us problems, a podiatrist can make or prescribe devices that go inside footwear to correct or control some of these problems. An assessment of the mechanics of the human body ( biomechanical evaluation) involves an examination of the entire 'kinetic chain' of your body in which the various angular relationships, ranges of motion and dynamic interactions are carefully measured and recorded.
Podiatric Biomechanics deals specifically with the structure and function of the segments of the feet as they relate to each other and to the legs, hips and spine.
Measurements are taken of:
- leg length
- pelvic alignment
- hip range of motion
- knee range of motion and stability
- ankle range of motion
Many foot problems occur because of abnormal function of the feet during gait (walking). This can come about by various circumstances, such as injury, development, disease (Arthritis/Diabetes) or even age.
The foot is made up of 26 bones and numerous articulations, ligaments, tendons and muscles. The way the bones, muscles and tendons work with each other determines how the foot functions and the stresses and strains placed on the body as a whole. The following can also contribute to imbalance in the feet:
- Excessive weight
- Type of work undertaken
- Time spent on feet
- Surface stood on
- Type of footwear worn