If you’ve been dealing with ongoing foot, ankle or leg pain and your podiatrist has recommended orthotics, the next step is usually a biomechanical assessment. This appointment helps identify how your feet move, how your body loads weight and what may be causing discomfort or ongoing injuries.
Many people don’t know what to expect, but the process is simple, comfortable and completely personalised.
Summary: A biomechanical assessment is a detailed evaluation of how your feet, ankles, legs and gait function. During the appointment, your podiatrist will look at your posture, walking patterns, muscle strength, joint movement and footwear. The goal is to understand how your body moves and whether custom orthotics can help improve alignment, reduce pain and support better long-term movement. The assessment is non-invasive, relaxed and designed to help you feel confident about your treatment plan.
What Is a Biomechanical Assessment?
A biomechanical assessment is a structured podiatry appointment that examines how your lower body works during standing and movement. It helps identify imbalances, weakness or irregularities that may be contributing to pain or injury.
The assessment is especially useful for:
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Flat feet or high arches
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Heel pain or plantar fasciitis
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Knee, hip or lower back discomfort
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Bunions or clawed toes
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Sports injuries or overuse conditions
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Foot fatigue when walking or exercising
It’s suitable for adults, children, runners, athletes and anyone experiencing discomfort with daily movement.
Step 1: Discussion and History
Your appointment begins with a relaxed conversation about your symptoms, lifestyle and goals. Your podiatrist may ask:
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When did the pain start?
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Does certain footwear make it better or worse?
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Do you play sport or stand for long periods?
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Have you experienced past injuries or surgeries?
This helps build a clear picture of your situation before moving into the physical assessment.
Step 2: Posture and Standing Assessment
Next, your podiatrist will observe how you stand. They may look at:
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Foot arch height
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Weight distribution
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Hip and knee alignment
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Balance and joint positioning
These observations help reveal whether your feet are affecting other areas, like the knees, hips or lower back.
Step 3: Gait Analysis (Walking or Running Assessment)
You’ll then be asked to walk or run, usually barefoot and sometimes wearing your usual shoes.
During this stage, your podiatrist looks at:
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How your foot strikes the ground
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Whether your ankles roll inward or outward
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Stride length
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Hip and pelvis movement
Video analysis or pressure plate technology may be used to record and review your gait more accurately.
Step 4: Joint and Muscle Testing
Your podiatrist will check:
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Joint flexibility
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Muscle strength
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Range of movement
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Functional mobility
This helps determine whether tightness, weakness or restricted movement is contributing to your discomfort.
Step 5: Footwear Review
Shoes play a major role in foot health. Your podiatrist may look at:
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Wear patterns
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Cushioning and support
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Fit and structure
Sometimes, simple footwear changes can make a noticeable difference in comfort and alignment.
Step 6: Treatment Recommendations
Once the assessment is complete, your podiatrist will explain:
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What they found
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What may be causing your symptoms
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Whether orthotics will help
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Other treatment options if needed
Custom orthotics may be recommended if they can help correct alignment, improve function or reduce pain.
What Happens If You Need Orthotics?
If orthotics are recommended, the next step is creating a design based on your assessment. Your podiatrist may take:
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A 3D scan
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A cast
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A digital pressure map of your feet
These measurements help build orthotics specifically shaped to support your foot structure and movement patterns.
Why a Biomechanical Assessment Matters
A biomechanical assessment ensures your orthotics aren’t generic or guesswork-based. It provides:
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Accurate diagnosis
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A personalised treatment plan
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Better long-term results
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Reduced risk of injury or ongoing pain
The process is thorough but gentle, and many people find it reassuring to finally understand what’s causing their symptoms.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Whether you’re struggling with ongoing discomfort or simply want to support better movement, a biomechanical assessment can help you find answers and solutions that work.
At Foot HQ Miranda, our podiatrists specialise in biomechanics, orthotics and foot function. We take the time to understand your body, assess your movement and design a treatment plan that supports long-term comfort and confidence.
Book your biomechanical assessment today and let the experts at Foot HQ Miranda help you walk, move and live pain-free.
Key Takeaways
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A biomechanical assessment evaluates how your feet and body move
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It includes posture checks, gait analysis and joint testing
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The assessment is comfortable, non-invasive and tailored to your needs
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Results help determine whether orthotics or other treatment options will be beneficial
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The right assessment can improve comfort, mobility and injury prevention
FAQ
How long does a biomechanical assessment take?
Most assessments take 30 to 60 minutes, depending on complexity.
Does it hurt?
No. The process is gentle and non-invasive.
Do I need orthotics after the assessment?
Not always. Your podiatrist will recommend orthotics only if they’re needed.
Can children have biomechanical assessments?
Yes. They are helpful for children with flat feet, toe walking or growing pain concerns.
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