A biomechanical examination is performed in a clinic by a podiatrist to assess the mechanical behaviour of your lower limbs. Through a series of observations and manipulations, the podiatrist is able to analyze how your feet react when they are used.
But how can taking a biomechanical examination be of benefit to you? Whether for a routine check or because pain is interfering with your daily activities, a biomechanical examination allows you to investigate the cause of the problem in more detail.
Here are 5 advantages of a biomechanical examination.
1. It allows you to have a better understanding of your musculoskeletal dynamics
Even if you are consulting for a specific pain, a biomechanical examination can provide much more detailed information about the condition of your feet.
By focusing on the mechanics of your lower limbs, the podiatrist is able to measure their joint mobility while at rest and in motion.
In addition, this method allows the podiatrist to assess the alignment of the body and to detect any potentially problematic structural defects.
2. It helps your podiatrist treat you more effectively
A biomechanical examination assesses the feet and legs from every angle, making it a valuable diagnostic tool.
When used in conjunction with other tests such as a postural evaluation or 2D/3D digital imaging, a biomechanical examination makes it possible to more clearly establish the nature of a pain or deformity.
Once a thorough diagnosis has been made, your podiatrist can establish a personalized treatment plan.
For example, they may decide to treat you with:
- Plantar orthotics
- A regular program of targeted exercises or stretching
- Cortisone injection
- Manual foot therapy
- Prescription medication
- Therapeutic bandage (taping)
3. It helps to prevent joint and muscle deterioration
When it comes to the health of your feet and legs, prevention is all about detection.
A biomechanical examination is a process that helps to achieve a preventive diagnosis.
This allows the podiatrist to detect any irregularities and pathologies that may become problematic in the long term.
Among other things, we can think of:
- Osteoarthritis of the foot, ankles, knees or hips
- Varus (arched) or valgus (knock-knee) knees
- Flat or hollow foot
- Plantar fasciitis
- Uneven lower limbs
- The presence of claudication
4. It helps to cast orthotics that are perfectly adapted
Several foot pathologies can be treated very effectively with foot orthotics.
And when it comes to obtaining the best-adapted moulding, a biomechanical examination is particularly valuable.
When performed by a podiatrist, a biomechanical examination makes it possible to obtain a highly customized orthotic model.
5. It helps to improve your sports performance
It should be understood that a biomechanical examination in itself is not a miracle cure.
However, the clues it can provide about your posture and musculoskeletal alignment help to identify areas for improvement.
In terms of sports performance, it is mainly the dynamic component of the biomechanical examination that is of particular relevance.
For example, knowing your stride type while running will allow your podiatrist to recommend more appropriate shoes.
The same applies to correcting your posture during training, which, once corrected, can result in a slower decrease in energy.
In more general terms, being aware of the alignment of your lower limbs during physical activity can reduce the risk of injury.
A biomechanical examination also helps to identify areas that are at greater risk of developing discomfort.
This allows the origin of pain to be quickly identified when it appears.
