Cycling
The London Podiatry Centre is one of very few podiatric centre in the UK which offers complex 3D analysis of cyclists. This differs vastly from the more basic "observational" tests which are undertaken at many cycle fit centres. The Centre's cycling assessment aims to recognise and treat the often subtle alterations in biomechanical alignment which may predispose a cyclist to injury and compromised performance. Once a cyclist has been comprehensively assessed, various treatment strategies can be adopted including:
Highly specific rehabilitation programmes actioned with the assistance of a physical therapist. These programmes are based on the data obtained from 2D and 3D analysis.
Footwear adaptation: ie. cleat adaptation to re-align foot position.
Custom foot orthoses: Manufactured with the assistance of laser scanning and 3d computerised milling technology.
Specific injuries to the foot and its associated structures would be treated conservatively wherever possible. Of course, where required the Centre offers the full range of treatment options including complex ultrasound injections, cryosurgery and the full spectrum of foot surgery.
Some of the most common injuries treated at the centre include metatarsalgia, Morton's neuroma, plantar fasciitis, achilles tendinopathy, shin pain, patello-femoral abnormalities, ilio-tibial band syndrome, trochanteric bursitis and back pain.
Please visit our dedicated gait analysis web site for more information on the importance of normal gait in sport. gaituk.com
CASE STUDY
This cyclist had injuries caused by a leg length difference and foot/pelvic asymmetry.
The patient's initial biomechanical assessment confirmed a leg length difference and increased pronation of the left foot. The below gait images confirm this with increased left pelvic tilt (on shorter leg) and increased deviation of left shoe. Observation was supported by 3D analysis which shows that the heel tilts in more on one side than the other.
This graph shows that the left ankle (red line) moves in a downward position excessively to compensate for the leg being shorter on this side. Treatment consisted of orthoses and modification of the cleat to correct the leg length and associated compensations.
