Quick guide
This page provides general health information and does not diagnose an individual condition. Persistent, worsening or concerning symptoms should be assessed by an appropriately qualified health professional.

It may be useful when…

Foot or lower-limb pain keeps returning despite simple treatment.
Symptoms appear during walking, running, work or sport and loading may be relevant.
You have recurrent ankle sprains, tendon problems or pressure-related symptoms.
An orthotic is being considered and the treatment target needs to be understood.
A child has a gait concern associated with pain, asymmetry or functional difficulty.

What a useful assessment may include

Joint movement and strength
Foot posture
Footwear
Walking or running
Activity load
The exact location and behaviour of symptoms

What is important to understand

Biomechanics should not simply label normal variation as abnormal. The findings need to explain something relevant to symptoms or goals, and not every patient needs sophisticated equipment.

When not to wait
Seek assessment sooner if symptoms are worsening, one-sided changes are developing, there is weakness or numbness, or normal walking is becoming difficult.

The Footpath Health approach

Footpath Health is designed to help you move from a symptom or question toward an appropriate next step without pretending that an online article can make an individual diagnosis. Sometimes that next step is self-management; sometimes it is podiatry, physiotherapy or GP assessment; and sometimes imaging or specialist care is appropriate.

Still not sure what the right next step is?

Tell Footpath Health what is bothering you and we can help guide you towards the most appropriate type of healthcare professional.

Start the Footpath Health assessment →