Foot and Lower Limb Biomechanical Assessment

The service provides an overview of the foot and lower limb biomechanical status. During the evaluation, our physiotherapists will gather information for identifying any existing foot and lower limb problem. By then, our physiotherapists will suggest possible strategies to manage the conditions.

Common Foot Problems

Plantar fasciitis, Achilles Tendonitis, bunions/ hallus valgus, in-toeing/out-toeing gait are those common foot conditions that have been seen at our Clinic. The causes are always complex and multi-factorial. Excessive high or low foot arches, discrepancies of leg length, muscle tightness or muscle strength deficiencies as well as deformities in the lower limbs are the common causes. Alignment problems in the lower limbs would cause pain in the knees, hips or even spinal regions in some serious situation. Therefore, a thorough assessment in the lower limb is essential to tackle these problems.

Severe pronated feet may cause the following foot problems (#2-5):
Pronated Feet
1 Pronated Feet
Flat Foot
2 Flat Foot
Plantar fasciitis
3 Plantar fasciitis
Hallux Valgus
4 Hallux Valgus (Effect on the photo: redness at the BIG TOE)
Achilles tendonitis
5 Achilles tendonitis
In-toeing / out-toeing gait
6 In-toeing / out-toeing gait
Advice to Avoid and Manage Foot Problems
  1. Wear appropriate shoes for different daily activities. Avoid wearing tight shoes with narrowed toe chamber, high-heel (of more than 2-inch high) or shoes with rigid sole or floppy heel counter.
  2. It is highly recommended that children or adult with significant pronated foot to wear professionally made orthotics to improve the foot problems caused by the collapsed foot arch.
    Without Orthotics
    Without Orthotics
    With Orthotics
    With Orthotics
  3. Perform appropriate foot and lower limb exercises (consult your physiotherapist)
  4. Keep balanced diet to prevent overweight
  5. Undergo lower limb biomechanical assessment regularly, especially for growing kids
Lower Limb Biomechanical Assessment

In general, to receive this assessment at the Rehabilitation Clinic does not warrant a doctor’s referral. The assessment is as follows.

Step 1: Foot and Lower Limb Assessment

Examinations include: Gait analysis, leg length measurement, forefoot and hind foot evaluation, femoral and tibial torsion, hallux valgus and knee analysis etc.

Foot Prints Analysis
Foot Prints Analysis

Step 2: Problems Analysis and Advice

  • Discussion on the role of orthotics
  • Suggestions on appropriate lower limb exercise
  • Advice on role of physiotherapy (e.g. Electronic Physical Therapy, Acupuncture, Shockwave Therapy)
  • Referring to other healthcare professionals while necessary
What is the best time for children to receive lower limb assessment and wear foot orthotic?
  • There is a thick fat pad in the sole since birth. It results in fake flat foot.
  • After age of 4, the fat pad will be absorbed gradually by the body and the foot arch will appear.
  • We advise children aged 4 - 6 to receive lower limb assessment. Such assessment can also be performed for those below the age of 4 if parents suspect their children having bone growth abnormality.