Musculoskeletal Assessment.
What is Musculoskeletal Pain?
Musculoskeletal pain affects the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments or nerves. In the feet and lower limbs, it may develop following an injury, repeated strain, changes in activity or the way pressure is distributed when standing, walking or running.
A musculoskeletal or biomechanics appointment may be suitable if you are experiencing problems such as:
Heel or arch pain
Pain in the ball of the foot
Big toe joint pain
Morton’s neuroma symptoms
Achilles tendon pain
Pain during walking, running or sport
Recurrent foot, ankle, knee or lower-limb injuries
What is a Musculoskeletal or Biomechanics Assessment?
During your consultation, we will discuss your symptoms, medical history, footwear, activities and any previous injuries or treatment.
Your assessment may include examining the painful area and looking at joint movement, muscle strength, foot posture and the way you stand, walk or run. This helps us identify the structures involved and understand any factors that may be contributing to your symptoms.
Following the assessment, we will explain our findings and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. This may include exercises, stretches, footwear advice, changes to activity, orthoses or referral for further investigation where necessary.
What Does the Assessment Include?
Your appointment will include a full assessment of your symptoms to help identify the likely cause of the problem and determine the most appropriate treatment.
This may include:
A discussion about your symptoms, medical history, activities, footwear and any previous treatment
A physical examination of the affected foot, ankle or lower limb
Assessment of joint movement, muscle strength and areas of pain or tenderness
Observation of the way you stand, walk or run, where appropriate
A clear explanation of the diagnosis or likely cause of your symptoms
A discussion of the available treatment options, allowing us to agree on a plan that suits your needs
Depending on the findings, treatment may include exercises and rehabilitation advice, footwear recommendations, activity modification or the fitting of insoles or orthoses. Written information and exercise sheets may also be provided.
Where clinically appropriate, injections may be discussed or carried out by a suitably qualified podiatrist. In some cases, a separate appointment may be required.
Occasionally, further investigation or specialist treatment may be recommended. This could include imaging or referral for procedures such as bunion or neuroma surgery. NHS referrals will usually be arranged through your GP, while private referrals may sometimes be made directly to an appropriate specialist, depending on your insurer’s requirements.