Welcome to our dedicated page on Sports Podiatry

Gait Analysis:

• Expert Training: Society membership provides access to specialized training programs and workshops on gait analysis. Professionals can enhance their skills in assessing walking patterns, identifying abnormalities, and recommending targeted interventions.

Orthotics:

• Cutting-Edge Knowledge: Society resources offer insights into the design, fabrication, and fitting of orthotics. Learn about different types (e.g., custom-made, prefabricated) and their applications.
• Clinical Skills Enhancement: Workshops and seminars cover orthotic prescription, modification, and troubleshooting. Gain practical skills to improve patient outcomes.

Pressure Plates:

• Integration into Practice: Learn how to incorporate pressure plate data into clinical decision-making. Use it for assessing weight-bearing patterns, balance, and load distribution.
• Interdisciplinary Insights: Engage with colleagues from different disciplines (surgeons, clinicians, physiotherapists) to explore pressure plate applications beyond gait analysis.

Running Analysis:

• Performance Optimization: Society resources cover running biomechanics, injury prevention, and performance enhancement. Understand how to analyze running form, stride length, and cadence.
• Injury Management: Learn to identify risk factors for running-related injuries. Use analysis findings to tailor rehabilitation programs and prevent recurrences.
• Collaborate with Athletes: Connect with runners, coaches, and sports teams. Provide evidence-based advice on training modifications and footwear choices.

Joining the Sports and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Society empowers professionals with specialized knowledge, networking opportunities, and resources to excel in gait analysis, orthotics, pressure plates, and running analysis. It’s a platform for continuous learning and collaboration within the field .

Gait analysis is a fundamental tool in sports podiatry, allowing us to understand athletes' walking and running patterns. Through precise observation and measurement, we identify biomechanical abnormalities, assess efficiency, and diagnose potential issues.

Types of Gait Analysis:

• Visual Analysis: Expert observation of gait patterns.

• Video Gait Analysis: Recording and analyzing walking/running patterns using specialized software.

• Instrumented Gait Analysis: Utilizing sensors and cameras for precise biomechanical measurements.

In a single step, they break down the movement into multiple key phases:

• heel strike
• midstance
• propulsion
• swing

A podiatrist examines the fluidity of movement at each step. Slow motion gait analysis allows them to break down the movement into distinct parts and determine where pathology may be arising. Identifying variations from the norm in gait is crucial for treating contributing variables and moving more effectively and freely.

Orthotics play a crucial role in correcting biomechanical issues and providing support to athletes. The custom-made orthotics are designed to enhance performance and prevent injuries by addressing specific foot mechanics.

The Podiatrist who examines, diagnoses, and treats your lower limbs and feet will also create your custom orthotics. Your orthotics will not be shipped and modelled by a third party; instead, they will be personally made by the Podiatrist to guarantee that they are appropriately fitted to your foot and symptoms.  
 

Types of Orthotics

• Functional Orthotics: Correct abnormal foot motion and alignment.

• Accommodative Orthotics: Provide cushioning and support for sensitive areas.

• Sports-Specific Orthotics: Tailored to the demands of specific sports.

Benefits of Orthotics in Sports:

• Injury Prevention: Reduce the risk of common sports-related injuries.

• Enhanced Performance: Improve biomechanical efficiency and stability.

• Faster Recovery: Aid in rehabilitation by providing support and stability.