Biomechanical Assessment & Gait Analysis

If you have been experiencing foot pain, knee pain, walking difficulties, or problems with posture, a thorough biomechanical assessment is often the essential first step towards effective treatment. We offer expert gait analysis and detailed walking assessments that inform all subsequent orthotic care. Every assessment is carried out personally by Lucy Best, our principal orthotist with over 30 years of clinical experience.

What is a Biomechanical Walking Assessment?

A biomechanical assessment is a detailed clinical examination of the way your body moves. It looks at the alignment and function of the feet, ankles, knees, hips, and lower back, both at rest and during walking. Rather than treating individual symptoms in isolation, a foot and gait assessment looks at the whole picture — identifying the underlying mechanical causes of pain, discomfort, or reduced mobility.

The assessment is carried out in a relaxed, unhurried environment. You will be asked to walk, and the way your joints move and interact will be carefully observed and recorded. Where relevant, specific clinical measurements will be taken.

Why your feet matter more than you might think

Think of your body like a house. A house built on unstable foundations will develop cracks — not necessarily at the base, but higher up the walls, often far from the source of the problem. Your feet work in exactly the same way. If they are poorly aligned or not functioning well, the effects ripple upwards through the ankles, knees, hips, and lower back.

As the old song goes:
“The foot bone’s connected to the leg bone, the leg bone’s connected to the knee bone, the knee bone’s connected to the thigh bone, the thigh bone’s connected to the back bone…”

It’s a simple song, but it captures something genuinely important. The body is a connected system, and what happens at the foot affects everything above it — and vice versa. Pain in the knee, hip, or lower back often has its origins in foot mechanics. It is precisely this whole-body picture that a thorough biomechanical assessment is designed to explore.

What Does a Biomechanical Assessment Involve?

Every assessment is tailored to your individual needs and presenting concerns. It will typically include:
● A detailed clinical history, including any existing conditions, previous injuries, and relevant medical background
● Observation of posture, alignment, and foot position when standing
● Assessment of joint range of motion at the foot, ankle, knee, and hip
● Muscle strength testing where clinically indicated
● Gait analysis — observing your walking pattern from multiple angles
● Examination of footwear and wear patterns
● Pressure distribution assessment where appropriate

Who Can Benefit from Biomechanical Gait Analysis?

A biomechanical gait analysis is appropriate for both children and adults across a wide range of presentations. You may benefit from an assessment if you experience:

Foot pain, heel pain, or arch pain
Knee, hip, or lower back pain
Flat feet or high arches
Ankle instability or recurrent sprains
Abnormal walking patterns, toe walking, or in-toeing
Shin splints or stress injuries related to activity
Pain or fatigue when standing for extended periods
Uneven shoe wear
A neurological or musculoskeletal condition affecting mobility

Children whose parents have noticed changes in the way they walk, or who complain of leg pain, are also very welcome. Many childhood gait concerns respond very well to early orthotic intervention.

Why Choose Hampshire Orthotics for Your Biomechanical Assessment?

Every biomechanical assessment is carried out personally by Lucy Best, our sole clinician. This means you will always see the same experienced professional at every appointment — someone who knows your history, understands your goals, and can monitor your progress over time. Appointments are available promptly, in a relaxed, accessible clinic with free parking directly outside.

Experienced sole clinician — you see the same person every time
Appointments available promptly with no long waiting times
Relaxed, baby- and family-friendly clinic environment
Free car parking directly outside
Continuity of care from assessment through to follow-up

What Happens After My Biomechanical Assessment?

Following your orthotist assessment, Lucy will discuss the findings with you in plain language and recommend the most appropriate course of treatment. This may include:

Custom-made orthotic insoles (foot orthoses)
Off-the-shelf or semi-custom insoles where clinically appropriate
Footwear adaptations or custom-made footwear
Ankle foot orthoses (AFOs) or other lower limb devices
Onward referral to a physiotherapist, podiatrist, chiropractor, osteopath, or GP where indicated

There is never any pressure to proceed with treatment. Our aim is to give you the information you need to make the right decision for you.

For full details of our custom orthotic insoles and fees, please see our dedicated Custom Orthotic Insoles page.

To book your biomechanical assessment, or to find out whether an assessment is right for your needs, please get in touch. We are happy to discuss your situation informally before you commit to an appointment.

Book an Appointment

Phone: 023 8000 5505 • Email: admin@hampshire-orthotics.co.uk

East Gate Lodge, Embley Park, Romsey, SO51 6ZB