Biomechanics and Orthoses
This is the main difference between chiropodists and podiatrists. Biomechanical assessment will analyse your skeletal make up and look at the way you walk and/or run and identify any link between your function and injuries you may be prone to. Treatment will most likely consist of the introduction of orthoses to address these findings. In some cases the correction obtained from the introduction of the orthoses will not be enough to fully rectify your symptoms. It may be appropriate for us to recommend other treatments, these may include; stretching, exercises, change in footwear for activity or short periods to allow the orthoses to work, injections, x-rays or scans. We may also recommend that you would benefit from other treatments offered by a specialist in their field, this could be; chiropractic, physiotherapy, soft tissue / sports massage and/or core stability training. We can also advice of more appropriate footwear and for sports footwear recommend you see the staff at Accelerate for advice.
For more in depth information regarding biomechanical assessments and orthoses follow the link to this section of the website.
Specialist shoe fitting and modification service.
We understand the frustration of not being able to find shoes that fit. If your foot is not a normal shoe shop shape then we may be able to help. We work with a company called Ken Hall who have a range of shoes that come in a huge range of volumes, widths, instep heights, lengths and toe room and can easily be modified or adjusted to add extra features. This is as close as you are able to get to a bespoke shoe at a fraction of the cost.
We shall assess your foot and shoe needs with you and then you’ll be able to choose the style of shoe you like. We then send away for the shoe (this takes about 4 weeks) and then see you for a fitting. The shoe will be sent back for finishing with any adjustments to be made. This takes about 2 weeks. We shall see you again for final fitting. If there is still a problem then the shoe can still be returned at this point but only small adjustments can be made.
Podiatric Biomechanical Assessments and Orthoses
Basic Biomechanics assessment
£50 30mins
Will include history of problem, foot assessment and basic lower limb assessment. We assess your stance position and undertake a barefoot walking assessment. We will discuss with you what we think your problem is and why it is happening. We shall also discuss which treatment options are open to you and why (this may or may not include orthoses).
Suitable for everyone who thinks that their function is causing or contributing to their problems. This assessment will highlight any compensation movement patterns and identify if they are coming from your feet. Treatment could involve orthoses to change your foot function and possibly physiotherapy, soft tissue therapy or chiropractic intervention to address other issues such as alignment, muscle tightness or weakness.
Running Biomechanical assessment
£90 60 mins
As above but will include a more thorough assessment of your lower limb flexibility and strength both in a non-weight bearing and stance position. As well as the visual walking assessment we are also able to video both walking on running. Running assessment will be carried out on a treadmill and we shall review the results with you at the time.
Discussion of why we think you are getting your problem and the best way to address these issues will be carried out with you.
Suitable for runners or those of you who use running as a form of training. You will need to bring shorts and your current running shoes and any orthoses that you are currently wearing.
For all assessments a report can be generated for paper or computer reading. With all assessments we recommend a follow up appointment 6-8 weeks after fitting of the orthoses.
Orthoses (Insoles)
We have a variety of orthoses that can be prescribed. These range from basic off the shelf arch supports to more complicated custom made orthoses that will affect your gait style and change your function.
Basic orthoses
£25
These are made from a soft EVA, are ¾ (half) length and will fit into most shoes. They are designed to stop your arch from fully dropping when you stand on it and can help with basic foot problems such as arch, heel and forefoot pain.
Pre-made Orthoses
£45
This is a semi-custom type usually made from EVA and will provide more support and can start to change your function. The can be half or full length, this will depend partly on what we are trying to do but also on what footwear they are intending to be used in. They need to be fitted to your foot type and gait style. They come as two parts; firstly the correct shell size and shape and secondly we are able to alter the way they sit by adding ‘posts’ (blocks) under them. This will be determined at the assessment. They are good if you do not need a longer term solution or we feel that your orthoses may need to change in the short term as function improves. This could be due to a traumatic injury or over training injury. They can be used to support your feet and therefore posture and function in a new position whilst you are undertaking physiotherapy type rehabilitation to help your body work in a new way.
Custom Orthoses
£90
This type is made at Holywell Healthcare and are made from an impression of your foot that is taken at the assessment appointment. They can be made from EVA or polypropylene (thermoplastic). The impression of your foot is turned in a plaster positive mould and this is then altered to a new position and the orthoses pressed directly from this. Further alterations may be made to the finished pressing to further customise the fit and alter the function. This type of orthoses will alter your gait style and address the compensation movement patterns that we identify at the assessment. They should directly reduce your symptoms by reducing the stresses on the tissues that are being overloaded. They may take a couple of weeks to fully adjust to wearing them and may make other structures ache, we will advise on what you are likely to expect during the wearing in period at the fitting appointment. This type of orthoses is good if you need to change an aspect of your function to address your injury presentation. These can be made to fit any shoe and may be shoe or sport specific. You may need more than one pair to achieve the ideal position and rehabilitation plan. You are likely to need further intervention from physio or sports massage if you are active on your orthoses. This will help your body adjust more efficiently.
CAD Designed Custom Orthoses
£150-£200
These have the same effect on your body as above but are made by a computer aided design process rather than a plaster mould. This means we can be more accurate and do things slightly differently. It will mean your orthoses should be more accurately made and if you need replacements or second pairs they will be identical. If there are small changes to be made to the initial prescription, again, we can be sure of the accuracy of the adjustments.
These orthoses can be from EVA or polypropylene (£150) or carbon fibre (£200). We can explain which material will suit your needs at the assessment.