Biomechanics

Biomechanics and Orthoses

What IS biomechanics?

 

Biomechanics is the study of human movement. In particular its the study of human locomotion.

 

Modern science is an amazing thing. It has put men on the moon, split the atom and engineered aircraft which can clip along at better than twice the speed of sound. For years scientists have tried to engineer a robot which can do what a 2 year old child can do. Walk and run. The very best it has managed is something which can manage a very awkward attempt foiled by such things as bumps and steps.

The human Foot and ankle is nothing less than an engineering marvel. It can accommodate almost any terrain, has the flexibility to change direction, twist, push, propel and drive a body in a variety of activities. It has 28 bones, 33 joints and over 100 tendon and muscle connections at it can last a lifetime!

 

However like any mechanism it can malfunction and break down. This can manifest directly, with pain in the foot or ankle, or it can cause secondary symptoms in the joints and muscles of the legs, or even in the pelvis and spine.

 

Whether these are acute injuries prevented from healing by mechanical dysfunction or a problem of alignment, these can be highly debilitating and can persist and worsen for years if left untreated. Much as if the tracking on a cars steering is "off" treating the symptoms and the damaged components is futile unless the cause of the problem is addressed.

What are Orthotics

Orthotics act a lot like eyeglasses. Precisely calibrated devices designed to correct any areas of pathological function and optimise the performance of your body. Like eyeglasses your prescription must be based on an accurate diagnosis of any pathology and an assessment of how your body functions. We do not use the "one size fits all" off the shelf devices many prescribe. Like the reading glasses you may see in the chemist or supermarket these are at best crude devices which may not suit your feet, shoes, or function. Sometimes they even make matters worse!

Who are Footprints

At Footprints, we use the latest in clinical diagnostic techniques and orthotic prescription technology. We are not limited to any single "type" of orthotic device, brand, or supplier. Every device is custom made by either spatial marking (using a footprint), Biofoam casting (making an impression of the foot and casting an orthotic to that mould) or the very latest in Laser Scanning and direct milled orthotics. We don't use the same device for everyone because every foot is different. What we prescibe will be no more, and no less than you require!

 

What Conditions Can be Treated with Orthotics

There are many, many conditions which can be treated successfully with orthotics. Almost any pain within the foot, much of the pain which can afflict the joints and muscles of the legs. Often (though not always) back pain has its root in the position of the pelvis and that is much affected by the way we walk. Some have  even claimed orthotics can help conditions even further up the body like neck pain and migraine although there is no clinical evidence to support this last!

 

Some of the conditions which orthotics can benefit include:-

Arthritic or other pain in the  Big Toe Joint (or anywhere in the feet)

Forefoot pain (Mortons neuroma, Metatarsalgia etc)

Heel pain (plantar Fascitis)

Arch pain

Ankle pain

Muscular pain in the legs, feet and ankles

Hip pain

Lower back pain

Should everyone wear Orthotics?

 

Should everyone wear glasses? No, orthotics are medical devices. They SHOULD be used to treat specific pathology or dysfunction and they CAN be used to improve function in activities such as sport, but they are not for everybody.

 

Do children need orthotics?

 

Sometimes. Childrens feet are vulnerable to abnormal forces because the bones are not yet formed. If there is a dysfunction in the way they work at this stage it can, left untreated, lay the foundation for a lifetime of problems. When children complain of pain in the feet or legs which persists for over a month or keeps returning it should ALWAYS be checked. It may be nothing more than an overactivity pain or minor injury, however sometimes it is a symptom of a deeper problem.

When your teeth hurt, you see a Dentist and get them fixed. If your eyes are bad, you see an Optician and get a pair of glasses. If your feet hurt, or if you have a problem with the way you walk you should see a specialist Podiatrist!

Call for a consultation and get it sorted!

Or ignore it and go on living with pain!