Musculoskeletal assessments undertaken in Guisborough
Musculoskeletal assessments are examinations of the lower limbs looking at the structure and alignment and assessing the relationship between the pelvis, legs, knees and feet in order to ascertain their strengths and weaknesses. This is essential if there is pain being experienced in the back, lower limbs or feet, especially if the reasons and source of the pain have not been established. Since our feet are vital to our well-being on a daily basis, it is essential to take into account any underlying causes and address them in their entirety; pain in one area can be attributed to a weakness or problem in another.
This assessment provides information which helps to identify your problem so options to remedy can be discussed and implemented.
What happens during a musculoskeletal assessment?
The musculoskeletal assessment begins with the testing of the joint range of motion of your hips, knees and feet. The podiatrist will examine and assess your muscle strength and weakness, looking carefully to see if there are any signs of discrepancies between leg lengths.
The next stage will be to examine your feet in greater details, taking into account the relationship between the front and rear of your foot. Finally, the alignment of your feet will be assessed with the relationship to your lower legs.
What treatment will I need after a musculoskeletal assessment?
Depending on your results there could be a variety of recommended treatments. These treatments could be as simple as wearing suggested footwear in order to reduce the pain of foot problems, althernatively there are other footwear options including trainers which are specifically designed to address issues of gait.
The podiatrist may also prescribe custom-made orthotics/shoe inserts/insoles if they believe that your mechanics could be contributing to your injury or pain. You may also be advised to seek the attention of a physiotherapist if the podiatrist believes you will benefit from exercises to improve flexibility or muscle strength.
Orthotics/Shoe Inserts/Insoles Orthotics are created for each specific client by taking a scan or impression of the patient’s foot and designing a device specific for their feet and condition.
Functional orthotics are used to correct abnormalities in foot position or structure by supporting the foot and ankle joints. This support stabilises the foot and reduces the impact in problem areas which can help to prevent further injuries.
Accommodative orthotics are designed for pain relief, usually where correction is not possible for reasons such as rheumatoid arthritis, complications with diabetes or a deformity of the foot.
To find out more about musculoskeletal assessments and orthotics, call Cleveland Chiropody and Sports Injuries