Biomechanics & Orthotics

A bit of a random one...

I have collapsed arches / ankles which I went to the GP about a few years ago after which they sent me to an NHS specialist who provided the cheapest of cheap insoles which perished within one month. I then bought some off-the-shelf insoles which I've been using ever since.

I've threatened many times to have a proper biomechanical assessment by a biomechanics specialist with bespoke orthotics made out of aeroplane or F1 racing car grade this or that. The problem is that I don't really know where to get it done properly. There are various Groupon deals, there's always someone doing a 'trade show rate' at cycling (or insert sport of choice) exhibitions, etc. but typically without the education and qualifications one would expect to see. Then there are bricks and mortar practices with people qualified in a strand of podiatry but I'm unsure whether or not that makes them suitably skilled for biomechanics and custom orthotics.

I'm not after a 'good deal', I want a 'good job' done by some who is skilled and qualified in their craft.

So... does anyone know much about this? Does anyone have any recommendations in the north west?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Ok I might be able to help as I did a orthotics and prosthetics rotation when I was in training many years ago.

I have a few good friends who are orthotists and I still use the orthotic workshops when I am working nearby in my NHS clinic and I. need to adapt equipment quickly.

To be fair from what I can see, things in the NHS service have not really moved on much in the last 20 + years in terms of what is provided from GP referral. There are long waiting lists too.

I work in another highly specialised field and am now a private contractor for the NHS.

If you are looking for very high tech materials and orthotic assessment processes in the North of the UK, these chaps might be what you are looking for.

https://www.crispinorthotics.com

I have no connection to the company, but looking at what they offer, they seem to be what you are looking for.

Generally you want an orthotist - some podiatrists do orthotics, but like anything you probably want a specialist. If you were in the Isle of Man I'd recommend Robin at the Foot Health Clinic - I guess word of mouth is the best source if possible, but the above link does look pretty impressive.

Salford University. They have a gait analysis unit, a running analysis clinic and they train podiatrists in the making of footbeds.

http://www.salford.ac.uk/health-scie...odiatry-clinic

You could even be seen privately by one of the teaching staff but this is a school for the teaching of what you want so this is a good place to start imo or you could see Mick Habgood

http://cyclefit.co.uk/fitting/cycling-podiatry

More expensive and req a couple of trips to London. The Salford Uni would be my first stop. It's not far away and will get you in the area you need.

Thank you chaps - I appreciate your help.

Leeds and Salford Uni look like good options and you've given me ideas on how to search more effectively for local specialists. I'll weigh them up against one another and take it from there...

Thanks!

My recommendation would be in London so not of much help. I had the orthotics made up about ten years ago (still using the same ones!) and while they no doubt corrected many biomechanics, it didn't help the throbbing pain in the arches. What sorted it out in the end was doing barbell weighted squats at the gym...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mab

Thank you chaps - I appreciate your help.

Leeds and Salford Uni look like good options and you've given me ideas on how to search more effectively for local specialists. I'll weigh them up against one another and take it from there...

Thanks!

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My wife went to a podiatrist in Rochdale who used motion capture to analyze her gait. It assisted in the insole process but resulted in her going to an osteopath to correct an issue that was clearly visible on the motion capture but not to the untrained eye. Sometimes there is more going on that what you think as highlighted by mindforge