Foot orthoses

Plantar orthosis examination

This is an examination that begins with palpation of the patient’s painful or non-painful areas to better understand the musculoskeletal complaint. We then measure the range of motion and musculoskeletal tension of the feet, knees and hips. Using precise instruments, we will also proceed to the angular measurement of the structural and/or functional deformations of your legs and will carry out thereafter the analysis of the standing posture. We correlate the biomechanics without load, with load and in motion with the analysis of walking and/or running.
In Quebec, only physicians and podiatrists are authorized to prescribe foot orthoses. Podiatrists have the necessary university training to perform a complete biomechanical examination which is essential to the detailed prescription of foot orthotics unique to each patient’s condition.

What is a biomechanical examination?

The human body is an incredible machine, but it is not perfect. The biomechanical exam looks at how we function when we walk and play sports to study how our muscles work with their corresponding joints; static (such as measuring pressure points) or dynamic tests can be performed for this purpose.

The podiatrist will use physical and clinical assessment and pressure analysis imaging technology to examine the patient’s biomechanics. These technologies include sensors embedded in shoes or placed on the floor with cameras, as well as x-ray images of their feet.

The podiatric diagnosis is determined by a thorough analysis of information gathered from a variety of sources, including the patient’s symptoms and history, as well as the results of the physical examination. This allows podiatrists to get a clear picture of the cause of your illness or injury and develop a foot care treatment plan accordingly.

Is foot orthosis right for me?

Here are some reasons why it is beneficial to consult a podiatrist to perform a biomechanical examination in our podiatric clinic:

Plantar misalignment (flat foot, high arch or abnormal arch)
Pain in the back, ankles, legs, knees, hips or feet
Excessive accumulation of calluses and hard skin under the feet
Abnormal or excessive wear and tear on shoes
I am concerned about my child’s foot positioning
I am concerned about my child’s atypical gait
Checking for normal development in children
Athletes seeking to optimize performance and prevent injury
Athletes wishing to identify the source of biomechanical pain
Following an injury, return to activities without pain and in performance
Prevent foot and body posture misalignments associated with foundation
People of all ages who want to ensure optimal foot health and posture