Sport and MSK Podiatry
Assessment, diagnosis and management of foot, ankle and lower-limb pain.
Sport and MSK Podiatry
A Sport and Musculoskeletal (MSK) Podiatry appointment begins with a detailed and structured clinical history, which is central to understanding why symptoms have developed and why they may be persisting. This includes a thorough discussion of current pain, previous injuries, training and competition demands, recent changes in load, footwear history and recovery capacity. We also explore wider contributors such as work demands, previous surgery and medical history. This contextual information allows symptoms to be interpreted within the broader picture of tissue capacity and cumulative loading rather than in isolation.
The assessment then progresses to a comprehensive musculoskeletal and strength evaluation. Depending on your injury or requirements, joint mobility, muscle strength, balance and movement control can be assessed across the foot, ankle, knee and hip, with particular attention to asymmetries, coordination and load-sharing strategies. Where appropriate, objective strength testing is incorporated to quantify deficits and identify compensatory patterns that may not be apparent through visual assessment alone. This ensures rehabilitation and management decisions are based on measurable findings rather than assumption.
Footscan plantar pressure analysis is used to assess how forces are applied through the foot during static and dynamic movement. This allows us to identify areas of excessive loading, delayed or prolonged contact times and inefficient force transfer that may be contributing to symptoms higher up the kinetic chain. When combined with clinical and strength findings, Footscan data provides clear insight into mechanical stress patterns.
3D Gait Analysis (Optional)
Our optional 3D gait analysis for walking and running provides an in-depth, objective assessment of how you move under real dynamic conditions. Using advanced motion-capture technology, we analyse whole-body movement patterns across the foot, ankle, knee, hip and pelvis, capturing joint angles, timing and coordination throughout the gait cycle. This allows us to identify subtle movement inefficiencies, asymmetries and compensatory strategies that are often not visible during standard clinical examination or video analysis.
For runners, 3D gait analysis offers detailed insight into how load is generated and absorbed during higher-impact movement. Parameters such as stride mechanics, joint range of motion, pelvic control and lower-limb alignment are assessed alongside key spatiotemporal variables. For walking assessments, the focus is on efficiency, stability and load distribution, which is particularly valuable for individuals with persistent symptoms, post-injury changes or complex mechanical presentations. These findings help explain why certain tissues may be repeatedly overloaded despite good strength or flexibility on clinical testing.
When integrated with musculoskeletal assessment, strength testing and plantar pressure analysis, 3D gait analysis strengthens clinical decision-making and personalises management strategies. The data helps guide targeted rehabilitation, footwear recommendations and orthotic design, while also providing a clear baseline for monitoring progress over time. This ensures any intervention is directly aligned with how you move in the real world, supporting safer load progression, improved efficiency and more durable long-term outcomes.
