Do you often suffer from sore feet or notice imbalances when walking? Are your shoes not enough to support your plantar arches?
Foot deformities or inflammation may cause discomfort.
Many foot pathologies can lead to pain and movement difficulties. That’s why a biomechanical exam by a podiatrist is essential to locate problem areas through specialized techniques. Here is all you need to know about the purpose of a biomechanical exam.
Why undergo a biomechanical exam?
Seeking professional help at a podiatry clinic can be necessary if you experience problems such as:
- Pain during physical activity (especially athletes)
- Impaired leg axis causing movement issues
- Inward knee deformation (genu valgum)
- Runners aiming to enhance performance or optimize running style
- Pressure points leading to corns and calluses
- Unusual shoe wear
A routine biomechanical exam can also help maintain proper posture and overall foot health. Additionally, it helps podiatrists design custom-made orthotics when a diagnosis is confirmed.
A three-step exam
The biomechanical exam assesses your feet from all angles, starting with gathering your history including injuries, health, and lifestyle. Mention any pain or discomfort.
The exam consists of two key phases: a dynamic foot exam during walking and a foot exam without load.
Foot exam during movement
Also called the dynamic foot exam, this stage analyzes lower limb reactivity and detects anomalies in movement. The process includes:
- Identifying foot support areas with a podoscope
- Walking on a treadmill or walkway
- Recording and examining movements
- Scanning footprints with 2D or 3D tech to locate pressure points and imbalances
Foot exam without load
This exam is done sitting, focusing on:
- Palpation of ankles, knees, or hips based on pain
- Visual inspection for atrophies and plantar skin lesions, warts, or calluses
- Observation of skeletal issues like Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, or joint arthrosis
- Checking joint movement range for asymmetries or pain
- Evaluating foot alignment—neutral, valgus (flat), or supination (varus)
- Testing foot muscle function through manipulation
- Examining nerve sensations, especially important for diabetics
Following the biomechanical exam
After the exam, the podiatrist compiles your data and creates a personalized therapy plan. Treatments may include prescriptions for foot orthotics, manual therapy, or foot care sessions.
A professional musculoskeletal assessment is one of the most comprehensive evaluation methods available. Your feet deserve expert care—trust a foot health specialist.