Focusing on the structure, alignment, strengths and weaknesses of the foot.
Assessment and investigation into lower limb function walking and running.
Your Gait/Biomechanical/MSK examination and assessment will be carried out by our Podiatry team at Maidenhead Podiatry using Footscan – Gait and Motion technology.
We are now offering biomechanical/gait/MSK assessment with our new Footscan equipment and software. This is popular as it automates the process, gives an immediate easy to view assessment for the patient and allows them to see exactly how weight is distributed and transmitted therough the foot during the gait cycle when standing, walking or running,
What is a gait analysis/bio-mechanical examination?
Gait, Biomechanical or Musculo-skeletal (MSK) assessment is a complex deconstruction of your walking and/or running pattern.
The consultation examines your body’s movement (biomechanics) during walking and/or running. You will be assessed ‘statically’ in both seated and standing positions, and then using our Gait and Motion technology.
Gait and Motion capture is done using a floor plate over which you repeatedly walk or run to allow computer recording and analysis of weight transfer through the foot during the three phases of motion – heel strike, mid stance and toe off.
Anyone can benefit from assessment and it is commonly used to help athletes run more efficiently as well as identifying movement-related problems with injuries in the feet, ankles, knees, hips or lower back.
Following interpretation of findings, a treatment/rehabilitation plan can be designed from components including exercise, posture/running education, shoes and custom insoles.
Podiatrists have a special interest in how people walk and run, treating painful feet and preventing injury.
Tools that can be used by a Podiatrist include –
- Infra-Red pressure analysis identifies areas of increased/uneven foot pressure and inefficiencies in your walking pattern
- Computer analysis is used to identify in-efficient gait patterns and/or increased stress in the lower legs and feet.
- An impression of the foot can then taken with a 3D scan, to enable manufacture of a prescribed, custom made insole/orthotic device – called a Phits – specific to you.
Will I need new shoes?
An orthotic is a specialised insole placed inside a shoe changing the way the foot works, reduce the degree of stress that the foot is under during walking and to offload painful areas of the foot.
At Maidenhead Podiatry we have a range of Orthotics available from temporary insoles, semi-custom orthotics to specialised fully custom made medical devices.
It is common for our Podiatrists hear ‘my orthotics cannot fit into my shoes!’ but it is possible to prescribe specific custom-made orthotics designed to fit into low profile shoes such as rugby boots and even converse!
What tpyes of assessment do we offer?
We offer three levels of package depending on your specific requirements set out below
Footscan only – This is our entry level assessment and measures weight distribution and power transfer through the foot during standing and walking, highlighting high/low pressure areas. Useful for assessing/treating/preventing plantar fasciitis, corns, ulcer risk and other gait based issues. Exisiting patient – £90 (New Patient – £120) – 30 mins
Footscan, MSK assessment & exercise prescription (no insoles) – This package is for assessment and management of gait based issues where insoles aren’t wanted/needed. Included Footscan, MSK assessment, exercise prescription, treatment plan and one follow-up appointment. Existing patient – £190 (New patient – £220) – 60 mins
Footscan MSK Premium, assessment and insoles/Phits – Our premium gait analysis package including footscan, MSK assessment, 3D foot modeling, exercise prescription, treatment plan, custom insole (Phits), report, fitting and one follow-up appointment. Existing Patient – £490 (New Patient – £520) – 60 mins
The inclusive follow-up Footscan allows assessment of changes and improvements due to the respective package taken. To book a New Patient appointment online, click here. Existing patients call 01628 773588 for an appointment.
For more information or to make an appointment, call us on 01628 773588 or email info@maidenheadpodiatry.co.uk to contact our reception team.
What happens following the assessment?
As part of your specific orthotic package, we usually fit your orthotics around 1-3 weeks after consultation and a review appointment will also be booked between 4-6 weeks following your fitting appointment.
Strength, flexibility and posture are all important and will be identified within your consultation.
If further investigation or alternative management is required following your assessment we will liaise with your GP and Consultants on your behalf. Treatment may also include referrals to additional allied health practitioners, such as physiotherapists for specific rehabilitation.
Your Podiatrist will assess your specific orthotic requirement and design it to suit your footwear and/or make footwear recommendations to help you achieve the best possible outcome.
To book an appointment online, click here.
Should you wish to make or to change an appointment please contact us by calling 01628 773588
Please note that we require a minimum of 24 hours notice for re-scheduling or cancelling appointments. Failure to attend or late cancellation will result in the full consultation fee being charged.
