Biomechanics Assessment
Understanding how you move, and why something hurts. Whether it’s heel discomfort with your first steps, aching feet after a walk or pain during a run, understanding how your feet and legs work together can help make sense of what you’re feeling. Assessment explores how you stand, walk and move before considering appropriate next steps.
It’s not just about your feet
Your feet, ankles, knees and legs work together every time you take a step. A biomechanics assessment looks at how the lower limbs move and function, including joint movement, muscle function, foot posture, walking pattern and footwear. The aim is to understand factors that may be contributing to your symptoms before deciding what to do. Assessment findings do not point everyone towards the same treatment.
Ask about a biomechanics assessmentChaperone Service Available
If you would prefer a chaperone to be present during your appointment, we're happy to arrange this. Please let us know at least 48 hours in advance. An additional fee of £20 applies.
General podiatry care pictured, rather than a biomechanics assessment.
What can a biomechanics assessment help explore?
These are examples of concerns worth discussing, not a promise that one treatment will suit every person.
Heel & arch discomfort
Pain under the heel, through the arch or along the sole, including discomfort with the first steps of the day.
Foot posture
Questions about foot posture, flat feet or inward rolling that may be connected with symptoms.
Bunions & toe pressure
Pain around the forefoot or toes, or pressure that makes walking and footwear uncomfortable.
Running & activity
Recurring foot or ankle discomfort linked with running, sport, exercise or changes in activity.
Walking changes
A change in your walking pattern, uneven movement or difficulty walking comfortably.
Footwear-related discomfort
Symptoms that seem connected to particular shoes, work demands or pressure in one area.
Recurring foot or ankle pain
Discomfort that keeps returning, affects everyday life or has not settled with simple measures.
What happens during an assessment?
A careful conversation and examination help build a clearer picture before options are discussed.
We start with a conversation
We’ll ask what you’ve noticed, when it began, what changes it and how it affects daily life. We may discuss activity, work, medical history, previous injuries and approaches you have tried.
We examine your feet and legs
The assessment may include joint movement, muscle function, flexibility, foot posture and relevant differences between your feet or legs.
We look at standing and walking
We observe how your feet and legs move while standing, walking and doing appropriate movements, to understand how you manage everyday movement.
We consider your footwear
We discuss the shoes you regularly wear, how they fit and whether they may be relevant. Existing insoles can be considered too.
We explain the options
We talk through the findings and possible next steps. These may include footwear advice, exercises, activity changes, insoles or further assessment or referral.
A little preparation helps us understand more
If possible, bring two or three pairs of shoes you regularly wear, such as work shoes, walking shoes or trainers. Bring any insoles or orthotics you already use, and wear comfortable clothing that allows your feet, ankles and lower legs to be examined.
Not everyone needs orthotics
Changes to footwear, strengthening or stretching exercises, or adjustments to activity may be enough for some people. In other cases, an insole or custom-made orthotic may be considered to provide support or redistribute pressure. Your podiatrist can explain why an option may or may not suit your assessment.
Learn about custom-made orthoticsFor other service information, visit Podiatry & Foot Health or meet the b2 team.
When to seek urgent advice
A foot ulcer or open wound, suspected fracture, sudden severe pain or rapidly worsening symptoms should not wait for a routine assessment enquiry. Seek urgent advice from NHS 111 or your GP; call 999 for a life-threatening emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about biomechanics assessment
Related Services
Let’s understand what may be contributing to the discomfort
If something about your feet or walking has been bothering you, contact the team to discuss whether an assessment may be appropriate and what options are available.