Biomechanics can be defined as the science of studying the structure and movement of the skeletal system and the internal and external forces acting on it.

If you take a closer look at the human foot, for example, you will find a complex structure made up of 26 bones, 55 joints and a mass of ligaments, muscles and tendons. Every foot is unique and forms the basis of posture and gait.

During all activities, our feet move through a multitude of different and complex positions. Not only does your foot act as a rigid lever, but it also adapts to every step you take. At the moment the heel makes initial contact with the ground during motion, the foot has to endure forces often in excess of three times a person’s body weight.

It is, therefore, quite common for people to suffer from pain in their feet, ankles, knees, hips and lower back, much of it potentially caused by bad foot alignment or ‘biomechanical dysfunction’.

Dysfunction results in excessive stresses of the foot and lower limb. These can cause structural and positional deformities which may be accentuated by sporting activities.

This is the science of applying the appropriate force to a body segment required to correct or stabilise a deformity.

At Technology in Motion, our professionally qualified clinicians are able to assess the skeletal make up, or biomechanics, of your feet and, if correction is required, formulate a prescription for a ‘Foot Orthotic’ suited to your condition and activities.

Foot Orthotics are known to solve a number of biomechanical-related problems, not only for obvious foot problems, but also for ankle and knee pain, pelvis, hip and spinal pain, even headaches. This is achieved by alleviating any misalignment of the foot which can significantly alter the way in which the bones move within their joints.

Once the desired correction is accomplished, you should be able pro-actively to prevent injury, to lessen recurrent injuries and improve comfort and posture, and thus enhance your sports performance.

Inward ankle tilt, known as 'pronation' (below left), can cause the bones beneath the ankle to shift out of place. This can lead to a considerable alteration in the way the joint operates. Outward ankle tilt, although less common, can occur in some individuals and produce the reverse effect of inward tilt.

This abnormal joint movement in the foot and ankle in turn affects the knee, the hip and the curvature of the spine. This generally leads to back pain and increased pressure on the hips and pelvis (above right).

Read more on Biomechanical Correction: Assessment