If you suffer from ongoing foot pain, ankle sprains, or discomfort when walking or running, the issue may not just be your shoes or activity level. Instead, the root cause could be linked to biomechanics podiatry. But what does that mean?

Biomechanics is the study of how the body moves, particularly the feet, ankles, knees, and hips. In podiatry, biomechanics focuses on the way your feet and lower limbs function during movement. If your feet are not working correctly – for example, if you have flat arches, high arches, or an uneven gait – it can cause stress on the rest of your body. Over time, this often leads to heel pain, shin splints, sports injuries, or even back and hip problems.

A biomechanics podiatry assessment involves analysing the way you walk and stand, examining foot posture, and testing the strength and flexibility of your lower limbs. In some clinics, advanced technology like pressure mapping is used to pinpoint areas of high stress on the feet. The findings allow your podiatrist to design a treatment plan tailored to your needs, which may include custom orthotics, targeted exercises, footwear advice, or specialist heel pain treatment.

This type of podiatry is especially beneficial for athletes who suffer recurring foot sprains or injuries, as well as individuals with long-term heel pain that doesn’t improve with rest. Children with gait problems or adults with mobility issues may also benefit from early biomechanical intervention, preventing more serious problems in the future.