The way your feet function affects everything above them. Abnormalities in foot posture or gait can translate into problems at the ankle, knee, hip, and even spine. A biomechanical assessment is a structured, detailed examination of the lower limb - from the lower back down to the toes - identifying structural faults, muscle imbalances, and movement patterns that may be contributing to pain or injury.
At Deal Podiatry in Deal, Kent, our podiatrists perform thorough biomechanical assessments to identify the underlying cause of your condition and develop an evidence-based treatment plan, which may include orthotic therapy, footwear recommendations, exercise prescription, or referral to other healthcare professionals.
Conditions a Biomechanical Assessment Can Help With
Heel pain & plantar fasciitis – Abnormal foot mechanics are a key driver of plantar heel pain.
Achilles tendinopathy – Overpronation and poor lower limb alignment increase Achilles tendon load.
Knee pain – Including patellofemoral pain syndrome and medial knee pain related to foot function.
Hip pain – Leg length discrepancies and gait asymmetry can contribute to hip joint stress.
Shin splints (medial tibial stress syndrome) – Often linked to overpronation and training load.
Metatarsalgia – Forefoot pain caused by abnormal pressure distribution.
Adult acquired flat feet – Functional assessment guides appropriate orthotic prescription.
Recurrent injuries – Identifying why an injury keeps returning.
What the Assessment Involves
History taking – A detailed discussion of your symptoms, activity level, footwear, and medical history.
Non-weight bearing assessment – Examination of joint range of motion, muscle strength, and flexibility in the foot, ankle, knee, hip, and lumbar spine.
Postural assessment – Evaluating alignment of the pelvis, legs, and feet in standing.
Gait analysis – Observing your walking pattern (and running if relevant) to identify abnormal movement patterns.
Footwear assessment – Examining your existing shoes for wear patterns that reveal biomechanical faults.
Treatment planning – A personalised management plan based on the findings.
Orthotic Therapy
Custom foot orthoses are one of the most powerful tools available following a biomechanical assessment. Prescribed specifically for your foot type, activity level, and footwear, orthotics work by controlling abnormal foot motion and redistributing pressure to reduce pain and prevent injury.
Custom orthotics – Individually designed devices based on a detailed foot assessment and cast or scan of your feet.
Prefabricated orthotics – Off-the-shelf devices selected and modified by your podiatrist for a more cost-effective solution.
Sports orthotics – Designed for running, cycling, or sports-specific footwear.
Exercise Rehabilitation
Alongside orthotics, targeted exercises addressing muscle weakness, tightness, or poor motor control are often a key component of recovery. Our podiatrists provide individualised rehabilitation programmes as part of the overall treatment plan.
Conditions Assessed & Treated at Deal Podiatry
A biomechanical assessment at Deal Podiatry helps diagnose and treat many foot, ankle, and lower limb problems in Deal, Kent.
Book Your Biomechanical Assessment at Deal Podiatry
Whether you have a long-standing injury, recurring pain, or simply want to understand why your feet are the way they are, a biomechanical assessment at Deal Podiatry in Deal, Kent is the first step to getting answers and relief.