Condition
Sporting & Biomechanical Issues
If you are suffering from lower back, leg or foot pain you may be referred for a Biomechanics Assessment to try and identify the reason for the pain.
In Podiatry Biomechanics refers to the way the bones, muscles and joints of your feet and lower limbs interact and move. They will look specifically at Pronation – how impact is absorbed and Supination – how you are propelled.
During your Biomechanical Assessment your Podiatrist will ask about the pain you are suffering – it may be in you feet, legs, lower back or hips. You will be closely observed to see how your body moves when walking and your gait (the way you walk) will be studied in detail. The Podiatrist may need to physically examine your legs, feet and lower back to get a full picture of your problem.
Condition
Pronation – Absorption
The best way to describe this is the movement of your foot as your weight is transferred from the outside of your heel to the inside of your forefoot. This helps your foot adapt to different surface and cope with the impact when you put your foot down. Pronation is a natural movement when you are walking or running, but too much or too little can cause problems leading to chronic pain.
Condition
Supination – Propulsion
Supination happens after your foot has absorbed the impact of putting your foot down. The front of your foot pushes forward to lift your heel and move your weight forward to the front of your foot and your toes. This is what propels you in the direction you want to travel, like pronation it is a natural movement but too much or too little can cause problems.
