Biomechanics and Sport Injuries
BIOMECHANICAL ASSESSMENT
A biomechanical assessment is when we examine the way your lower limbs work, checking for abnormalities and possible causes of pain in the foot, ankle, knee and back.
Very few people are completely symmetrical and this affects the way they stand and move. They may also have additional problems including particularly high or low arches in the feet, one leg longer than the other, or a sports / muscle injury. In some cases, people adapt to abnormalities without any problems; however, for other people they can cause pain as the joints, ligaments, muscles and tendons are put under extra stress when they move. In high impact and explosive activities such as football, tennis, basketball running etc. the load on these structures increases and as a result minor abnormalities may result in an injury.
What does the test involve?
A biomechanical assessment takes approximately one hour. We advise you to wear shorts so that we can see your knees and lower limbs as you move. The examination is divided into two sections:
- A static assessment during which we will take various measurements of your foot, knee, hip and pelvis while you stand up and lie down.
- A dynamic assessment (2D video Gait Analyses) during which we will video you as you walk and run using a treadmill so we can analyse your gait (the way you move).
Once we’ve identified the problems that are causing the pain, we can advise on a suitable treatment plan tailored made to each person’s individual needs which may include stretches, exercises, gait retraining, shoe advice and special insoles for your shoes.
Ussually this assessment is intergrated along with Gait Analyses.
SPORTS INJURIES
The human foot is a complex structure that is designed to convert the rotations of the leg and arms into efficient forward motion. Normal walking places a great deal of stress upon the foot as it accepts the body weight form above and it attempts to adjust to varying changes in the walking surface. Jogging and running produce even greater stresses (about 3 time your body weight) and, when normal foot function is not present, overuse breakdown in the lower extremity is likely to repeatedly occur.
A podiatrist can help an athlete achieve superior performance, not only by treating sports injuries such foot / ankle strains or sprains; plantar fasciitis (pain at the bottom of the heel); Achilles tendinitis; knee pain; shin splints; stress fractures; bruised and ingrowing toenails; friction blisters, but also by working with the athlete and other specialists to improve foot, leg and spinal alignment with the use of physical therapy and orthotics. Minor aches and pains that are attended to early can prevent more serious problems later.
Podiatrists work with athletes at every level of performance, from young children first learning the game, to weekend amateur sports enthusiasts, to world-class players in every sport. As podiatrists we can recommend proper warmup and cool-down practice or the best shoes for a given activity that will help prevent or speed recovery from sports injuries. By including input from dieticians, orthopedics, endocrinologists and other specialists, a podiatrist can provide every athlete with an individualized approach to effective training or rehabilitation from an injury.
At Vasou Podiatry we understand the special needs of the athlete at all levels of intensity and commitment.
Ussually this assessment is intergrated along with Gait Analyses and Biomechanical Assessment.
GAIT ANALYSES
Gait analysis looks at a person’s pattern or style of walking and/or running. It is used to diagnose posture-related or movement-related problems and enable effective treatment. It can also be used to help atheletes run with a more efficient gait, both in terms of injury prevention and efficiency.
Two dimensional gait analysis uses digital cameras and computerised software forms the mainstay of this assessment. The body is analysed comprehensively to shed light on the various imbalances which may be contributing towards the patients complaint. The information is cross referenced against the medical exam and biomechanical assessment is often incorporated into this test. Two dimensional gait analysis provides much useful data and is often sufficient to diagnose the cause for an injury.
After the gait analyses a full report with the findings and suggentions is provided to the patient.
BIOMECHANICS – PLEASE CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION
