Biomechanics and orthotic insoles for Adults and Children
A biomechanical assessment and gait analysis is a comprehensive examination of your body and the way you move with the aim of diagnosing a wide range of conditions. It may identify any underlying causes, which can be multi-factorial, that have made you more susceptible to disorders that cause pain, discomfort or injury in adults and children.
Based on the results of the assessment, a variety of interventions may be recommended to aid treatment, including exercises, stretches, footwear advice, taping, lifestyle advice and medication. Orthoses, custom-made insoles, can be prescribed which may help address any biomechanical issues.
Orthotic insoles can correct structural imbalances, provide support, cushion and improve foot function, which may alleviate some painful conditions that cause heel, ankle, foot, knee, hip, back and neck pain. See the Orthotic insoles page for more information about bespoke orthotic insoles.
What happens in a biomechanical assessment
A biomechanical assessment and gait analysis lasts one hour during which a thorough medical history will be taken. Rachel can examine the way you walk and stand as well as your posture. Please wear comfortable clothes as you may be asked you to walk, sit or lie down on a treatment couch.
You may be evaluated on the range of motion in your joints, your muscle strength as well as your body alignment and Rachel will consider how different pressures are transferred through your body which might affect your condition.
It will be very helpful if you bring some of your shoes/trainers to the consultation to assess how you wear them and how they have worn over time. Rachel is happy to discuss your footwear and recommend footwear.
If you are prescribed an orthotic insole, a cast of your foot will be taken in that assessment from which, based on the precise shape of your foot, your bespoke insole is fashioned. An orthotic insole can be made of different materials, densities and lengths depending on their use and be comfortably worn with a wide range of shoes and trainers. See the Orthotic insoles page for more information about bespoke orthotic insoles.
See the Sports injuries page for more detailed information about biomechanics and orthotic insoles for sportspeople. See the Children’s page for more detailed information about biomechanics and orthotic insoles for children and adolescents.
Follow-up orthotic insole fitting consultation
If an orthotic insole is being made for you, there is a free consultation three to four weeks after your initial assessment when Rachel makes sure your orthotic insoles are properly fitted into your shoes or trainers and any adjustments can be made. If you cannot attend the fitting appointment, your orthoses can be sent by post.
Plaster casts are kept in storage to make further orthoses if needed. An orthotic insole will normally last between 12 – 24 months depending on your age, your condition and type of use. All orthotic insoles are guaranteed for 18 months and most casts are kept for a minimum of 2 years should additional orthotic insoles be required. Many patients choose to have several orthoses for different shoes, which makes them more convenient to use and extends their lifespan.
Cost of biomechanics consultation, cast and orthotic insole
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- £80 for a one hour biomechanical assessment
If you are prescribed an orthotic insole the cost is:
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- £80 for the plaster cast
- £160 for a pair of orthotic insoles
There may be a charge if you also ask for a written summery of your biomechanical assessment.
Rachel Miller is recognised by most of the major insurance companies.
Call 020 8348 5553 to make an appointment
Rachel Miller is a highly experienced podiatrist specialising in biomechanics and orthotic insoles. Her clinics are held at Highgate Podiatry, Highgate village, 14 Pond Square, N6 6BA, London, every Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday. Contact the clinic for an appointment on 020 8348 5553. For clinic directions and maps see the Contact page and for more information about podiatric conditions see the Podiatry page. See Orthotic insoles page for more information about orthotic insoles.
Conditions treated that can benefit from a biomechanical assessment include: