Here at BPC we also offer podiatry treatment.

Podiatric biomechanics is the discipline of medicine that investigates the mechanics of the lower limb. Abnormal foot mechanics has been associated with a number of injuries affecting structures, other than within the feet (e.g. shin, calf, knee and lower back complaints). Therefore if the foot is maligned, walking and running can cause many injuries.

A Biomechanical assessment involves a looking in detail at the lower limb. The podiatrist will take a detailed history of symptoms and assess the patients in both weight bearing and non weight bearing. This assessment may include examination from the hips right down to the feet and will also include gait analysis.

Gait Analysis

Here the podiatrist will take a video of your walking or running style whilst on a treadmill. This will enable to podiatrist to gain a more accurate knowledge of the gait and foot mechanism.

Treatment

Treatment will involve some physical therapies such as stretches and strengthening exercises. The main treatment involves insoles or orthoses:

• Simple insoles are insoles that are constructed by the podiatrist at the time of the assessment and are generally a temporary treatment to help guide the prescription.
• Off the shelf insoles are insoles that are ready made and may help with the initial symptoms.
• Orthoses, semi custom and custom made are bespoke orthoses that are specifically prescribed for your foot's mechanics.

What's Involved?

The assessment, including the gait analysis, will take 60 minutes. You will be required to bring a pair of shorts and consent to the video analysis. The podiatrist will ask questions about your symptoms and medical history including knowledge of any medication that you may currently be taking.

Please bring a range of footwear that you commonly wear, especially sports shoes (if appropriate) and/or any shoes that cause you to have symptoms.

After the initial assessment it is recommended that you attend follow up appointments depending on treatment issued.

The Clinic's Podiatrist

Heidi qualified from the Birmingham School of Podiatry in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors. She has worked within all aspects of podiatry within the NHS and for the last 5 years has specialised in the field of biomechanics. She has completed a research Masters in clinical podiatric biomechanics at Staffordshire university which is only one of two biomechanics courses in the country. Her research has been published in the prestigious journal 'The Foot'.

Podiatry Practice Hours

The podiatry clinic is open:

• Thursday - 8:30am to 11:30am