Friday 25 September 2015

The Physio Bike FOOT Fit

It is here!

After reviewing options and lots of testing, The Physio Bike Fit is pleased to partner with Sidas. In addition to the usual Superfeet  footbeds we have been working with, we are now offering full custom footbeds.

Using the tried and tested Sidas technology and a biomechanical assessment, we are now making the sole of your cycling shoe meet your foot.


Biomechanics

Each footbed is cast following assessment of the foot both out of the shoe and where possible also in the shoe via looking at the on bike position and the pedal stroke.


Podoscope

The 'podoscope' helps the cyclist to see how the soles of the foot can deform under pressure.


Video Analysis

Using video analysis we can discuss how an improved alignment can be gained from the casting.


The Retul System can also be used to further enhance the process.


HDVAC 2

The 'Fitting Station' is equipped with both the HDVAC 2, with improved silicone bags that can be stretched up to 800% to allow adaptation to any foot shape. Precision is key here.


MODUVAC

To ensure the footbed materials are both bonded together and heated to the correct temperature, the MODUVAC is incorporated into the 'Fitting Station' allowing the fitting process to be efficient and effective.

The Benefits?

The following benefits have all been reported following the use of custom footbeds;
  • Improve comfort
  • Increase stability
  • Reduce injury risk
  • Reduce unwanted movement
  • Improve foot cleat relationship under pedal loading
  • Greater connection with the foot and shoe
  • Reduced 'hot spots'
  • Reduced asymmetry
  • Improved pedal stroke

Contact Fit Me Up for more information or to come in and get your set of custom footbeds 


Common Foot Related Injuries


Injury

Common Symptoms

Mechanism

Piriformis Syndrome
Pain in the Gluteal area and or into the leg
Prolonged Pronation of the foot leads to internal rotation of the Femur causing the Piriformis to overwork

Iliotibial Band (ITB) syndrome
Pain on the outside of the knee and or in Patella
Over Pronation of the foot causes the Tibia to rotate medially. The Femur rotates laterally as part of extension during the pedal cycle leading the ITB to ‘rub’ on the Lateral Epicondyle of the Femur. This can also lead to mal-tracking of the Patella

Retro Patella Pain
Pain behind the Patella on bending the knee
Over Pronation of the foot leads to increased rotation of the Tibia relative to the Femur. The normal tracking of the Patella in the groove on the end of the Femur is disrupted

Medial ‘Shin Splints’
Pain on the medial aspect of the Tibia
Over Pronation leads to the Tibialis Posterior muscle acting through its bony attachments to attempt to limit the pronation movement by pulling on the metatarsal heads in the foot

Lateral ‘Shin Splints’
Pain on the upper lateral aspect of the Tibia
Over Pronation leads to Tibialis Anterior muscle acting through its bony attachments to attempt to limit the pronation movement by pulling on the medial aspect of the first metatarsal head

Achilles Tendonitis
Pain on the posterior of the lower leg just above the heel bone
Over Pronation occurs causing the Talus bone to drop forwards and medially. This leads to a medial rotation of the Tibia with the lateral rotation of the Femur the Gastrocnemius portion of the calf muscle is stretched from its insertion on the Calcaneus at its origin on the Femur above the knee

Plantar Fasciitis
Pain on the sole of the foot often towards the rear
As the foot is loaded and the medial arch of the foot is stretched due a stable hind-foot and an overly mobile fore-foot Pronating the fascia is over stressed

Hallux Valgus
Pain on the medial ball of the foot
Due to excessive Pronation of the foot, the ‘toe-off’ phase of propulsion loads the medial rather than the plantar surface of the Hallux leading to joint thickening
Morton’s Neuroma
Pain between the heads of the toes
Over Pronation of the foot can lead to a pivoting on the third and fourth metatarsal heads. The result of this is increased shearing forces

Metatarsalgia
Pain around the ‘ball’ of the foot
Increased Pronation can leads to abnormal weight distribution in the foot and a build up of pressure

Glossary 

Pronation
Flattening of the media arch of the foot
Medial
Towards the Midline of the body
Lateral
Away from the Midline of the body
Tibia
Large ‘Shin’ bone
Femur
Large ‘Thigh’ bone
Talus
Important bone transferring much of the body motion and ‘weight’ into the foot
Patella
Knee Cap
Calcaneus
Heel Bone
Hallux
‘Big’ toe
Valgus
Oblique displacement away from the joint mid-line
Neuroma
Pain, often considered to be due to pressure
Metatarsalgia
Pain in the ‘ball’ of the foot