Musculoskeletal consultation & Assessment

A podiatry musculoskeletal assessment is a comprehensive examination conducted by a podiatrist to evaluate the structure, function, and alignment of the lower limbs, including the feet, ankles, and legs. This assessment aims to identify any musculoskeletal issues, abnormalities, or imbalances that may be contributing to foot and lower limb pain, discomfort, or dysfunction. It involves a combination of clinical examination techniques, functional testing, and diagnostic imaging if necessary (referral required).

During a podiatry musculoskeletal assessment, the podiatrist will thoroughly examine the patient’s feet, ankles, and legs, looking for signs of misalignment, deformities, or limitations in range of motion. They may assess muscle strength, joint stability, and gait (the manner of walking) to identify any abnormalities or compensatory patterns that may be causing or exacerbating the patient’s symptoms (for an in-depth look at walking or running gait, please consider the 3D-Biomechanics Assessment). The podiatrist may also use diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays or ultrasound, to get a better understanding of the underlying structures.

Podiatry musculoskeletal assessments are typically performed to address a wide range of foot and lower limb conditions, including:

1. Foot and Ankle Pain: This assessment can help identify the causes of acute or chronic pain in the feet or ankles, such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, stress fractures, sprains, or strains, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, bunions, hammer toes, or Morton’s neuroma.
2. Walking Abnormalities: By analysing the way a person walks podiatrists can detect abnormalities in foot mechanics, muscle imbalances, or joint misalignments that may lead to conditions like flat feet, high arches, overpronation, or supination.
3. Sports Injuries: Athletes often seek podiatric musculoskeletal assessments to diagnose and manage sports-related injuries, such as shin splints, ankle sprains, stress fractures, or tendinitis. These assessments can help determine the underlying causes of the injuries and develop appropriate treatment plans.
4. Postural Issues: Poor foot and lower limb alignment can have a significant impact on overall posture and body mechanics. A musculoskeletal assessment can identify structural abnormalities or muscle imbalances contributing to postural problems like back pain, hip pain, or knee pain.

The assessment provides several benefits:

1. Accurate diagnosis: A musculoskeletal assessment allows the podiatrist to accurately diagnose the root cause of a patient’s foot or lower limb problem. By thoroughly evaluating the structure and function of the lower limbs, the podiatrist can identify any abnormalities or imbalances that may be contributing to the patient’s pain or dysfunction. This leads to a more precise and targeted treatment plan.
2. Individualised treatment plan: Each patient is unique, and a musculoskeletal assessment helps the podiatrist tailor a treatment plan specific to their needs. By understanding the patient’s musculoskeletal condition, the podiatrist can recommend appropriate interventions, such as exercises, orthotic devices, footwear modifications, or physical therapy, to address the underlying issues and improve the patient’s symptoms.
3. Preventive care: A musculoskeletal assessment can also help identify potential problems before they become more severe. By detecting early signs of misalignment, instability, or abnormal function, the podiatrist can intervene and provide preventive measures to avoid future complications. This proactive approach can prevent the development of chronic foot or lower limb conditions and enhance overall foot health.
4. Rehabilitation and injury management: For patients recovering from an injury or surgery, a musculoskeletal assessment is crucial in determining the most effective rehabilitation plan. By assessing muscle strength, joint mobility, and gait mechanics, the podiatrist can design a customized rehabilitation program to restore function, improve mobility, and prevent future injuries.
5. Performance optimization: Musculoskeletal assessments are not only valuable for patients with existing foot or lower limb problems but also for athletes or individuals seeking to enhance their performance. By evaluating the musculoskeletal system, the podiatrist can identify areas of weakness, imbalance, or inefficiency that may impact athletic performance. They can then provide recommendations for training, conditioning, and footwear modifications to optimize performance and reduce the risk of injury.
6. Enhanced Function and Mobility: The assessment allows podiatrists to identify factors contributing to impaired mobility, pain, or discomfort. By addressing these issues, podiatrists can help improve function, restore mobility, and enhance overall quality of life.
7. Comprehensive Approach: Podiatry musculoskeletal assessments often involve collaboration with other healthcare professionals, such as orthopaedic specialists, physiotherapists, or sports medicine physicians. This multidisciplinary approach ensures comprehensive care and facilitates better overall outcomes for patients.

This appointment is for any patient experiencing pain in the foot or lower limb. The individual may be of any age or activity level.

You will be asked to wear something comfortable. active wear or shorts work well. Please also bring a few pairs of regularly worn shoes/trainers.

The appointment is usually structured as follows:

• Medical history followed by a detailed history of the actual problem
• Shoe analysis and foot measurement
• Multiple objective assessments in stance from the head down to the feet (front/side/back)
• Hands-on clinical assessment of the foot/leg looking at:
  – muscle strength
  – range of movement
  – assessment of foot function
  – clinical pain palpation tests assessing the area(s) of concern
  – and much more.
• RSscan – used to gain further insights into the understanding of foot function. It allows even the smallest movements of the foot to be recorded and assessed.
• Discussion on the findings and a working diagnosis
• Individualised treatment plan

Overall, the appointment provides an in-depth view and helps us to understand not only what the problem may be, but also the likely causative factors.We can then address these factors and formulate a treatment plan.

We are regularly attending courses and looking into the latest research papers to provide our patients with the most up to date evidence-based treatment plans.

 Please call 07516 425748 to book.