Sun Jae Professor of Mechanical Engineering of MIT’s Neville Hogan has measured the stiffness of the ankle thanks to a unique technology piece known as the AnkleBot. The mechanism works by mounting the robot to a knee brace, which is attached to a custom-designed shoe. As the individual moves his or her ankle, the robot moves the foot along the designated trajectory in directions within the ankle’s range of motion. This understanding in the ankle’s biomechanics in turn can help patients suffering from motor disorders and lead to the creation of safer footwear. For now the Anklebot is used to help train patients in regaining their mobility.

If you are suffering from foot pain and think it might be caused by motor-related issues, you should seek the care of a podiatrist like as Dr. Howard Hyman of The Podiatry Center, P.C. Dr. Hyman can examine your feet and diagnose any potential conditions.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a sect of specialized podiatry that features licensed practitioners trained in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics focuses on the issues that affect the body and cause an interference with the biological structure. It also focuses on the foot and ankle’s movement and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

-Biomechanics historically dates back to ancient Egypt, which utilized professional foot care
-Biomechanics gained a high profile in 1974 thanks to the studies of Merton Root, who claimed by changing or controlling the ankle and foot’s forces, as well as diagnosing conditions and making corrections, could be used to gain strength and coordination to the affected area.

Improvements in modern technology are based on both therapeutic processes and past theories. These help provide a better understanding of podiatry concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide an accurate determination regarding the movements and patterns of the lower legs and feet with important information captured.

Increasing awareness and advances in available materials have helped enhance corrective methods and offer further options for foot-related injuries. Understanding the biomechanics of the feet can help alleviate and even eliminate pain and further stress to the foot.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office in Milburn NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot ankle injuries.

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