Biomechanics

This condition affects the anterior knee joint which consists of the knee cap (patella) and the lower end of the thigh bone (femur bone).

Patellofemoral Syndrome occurs when the patella does not glide properly on the lower end of the femur. This can cause acute to chronic pain in all age groups. If the patella does not glide up and down in the groove it can cause bone-on-bone rubbing and/or degeneration of the cartilage.

This is phrased as Patellofemoral Dysfunction. The misalignment or dysfunction of the patella can be caused by:

• Poor alignment of lower limbs
• Increased pronation of the foot
• Muscular imbalance
• Incorrect training/exercise
• Hereditary factors

Our podiatry team is extensively trained and experienced in treating patellofemoral pain – as well as a number of other causes of knee pain.

Your assessment includes carefully
examining the biomechanics of your feet and legs, so we’ll understand the causes and contributing factors that have led to this problem developing.

• Custom foot orthotics to correct biomechanical and alignment problems
• Updates to your training schedule or regime
• Muscle stretching and strengthening where
  weakness and tightness are problematic
• Footwear assessment

The forefoot (or ball of the foot) is made up of many small bones, muscles ligaments, tendons and other body tissues. This makes pain in this area complex to diagnose. The most common form of forefoot pain is Metatarsalgia

Dropped anterior metatarsal arches are a major cause of forefoot pain.

A specific diagnosis means treatment can be far more specific in addressing the cause which leads to more successful outcomes.

Various foot problems can cause symptoms in the forefoot resembling Metatarsalgia.

A full Biomechanical evaluation is needed.

• Custom-made orthotics can be used to reduce damaging forces and redistribute pressure in the forefoot. Various orthotic modifications can be employed to improve function and reduce chronic metatarsalgia pain. metatarsal pads, metatarsal domes, 1st ray cutouts of varying lengths, 5th ray cutouts and U-pads are all possible modifications which may be needed for specific foot types.
• Footwear modifications or changes can reduce pressure and relieve tightness in the forefoot.

Probably the most common complaint presenting at our practice, pain in the arch or heel often indicates inflammation of the long band of tissue under the foot (the plantar fasciia).

It can cause sharp pain and discomfort in either the mid arch region or at the inside heel, and less commonly the outside heel. It frequently causes pain upon rising from rest (especially first thing in the morning) and can progress to agony by the end of the day. Although plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of this pain, it must be skillfully differentially diagnosed from other conditions via a thorough history taking and physical examination.

Assessments are guided towards finding the cause of the injury, often mechanical in origin. Management may include one or a number of: stretching, footwear modification, orthotic devices, specially placed padding, dorsiflexion night splints, ice, and either topical or oral anti-inflammatories.

(Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome)

The term shin splints refer to a painful condition that develops along the inside (medial edge) of the shin (tibia).

The usual location is along the lower half of the tibia, anywhere from a few centimetres above the ankle to about halfway up the shin. It can, however, affect just about any part of the lower leg.

Shin splints are generally brought about by physical activity or a change in activity such as increasing the distance of a daily run. A biomechanical explanation can usually be found to be the cause. Running on hard surfaces with improper footwear can cause this condition. 

Assessing the biomechanics of the lower limb and foot is important to determine any factors that may predispose you to poor shock absorption or musculature imbalance.

An in-depth analysis is required to assess foot motion with respect to the lower limb and assess a range of motion to determine any muscle tightness. The biomechanical observations can give clues to whether any of the muscles are being overworked or fatigued.

Podiatry treatment includes realigning the foot with respect to the leg in order to improve the efficiency of mechanics. This in turn reduces the abnormal forces to the respective muscle groups along with better shock absorption.

This can all be achieved by:

• appropriate stretches
• footwear advice
• Full-length Sports orthoses
• advise on activities and training program