So I Attended a Biomechanics Seminar

During the weekend of November 9-10, I attended the Richard O. Schuster, DPM, Memorial Biomechanics Seminar. This was held at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine and was directed by Joseph C. D’Amico, Professor and Former Chair, Division of Orthopedics and Pediatrics at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine.

Dr. Schuster’s contributions to the studies of biomechanics, sports medicine, podopediatrics (children’s foot problems), and the conservative management of foot injuries are acknowledged by all those in the field. His emphasis on the evolution and development of the foot kickstarted my own continuing interest in the role evolution plays in injuries and disease. Dr. Schuster’s recognition of the importance of imbalances in the foot, and their contribution to sports injuries, is widely recognized. Following his treatment of Red Bank, NJ, cardiologist George Sheehan, Dr. Sheehan promoted Dr. Schuster’s approach to managing running injuries to an entire running movement.

So, what is biomechanics, exactly? It is the evaluation and management of the internal and external forces affecting the foot. These may be due to hereditary imbalances, excess intrauterine pressure on the developing leg bones, muscle weakness or tightness, over training, improper footwear, excessive cant of the running surface, etc. Biomechanics is also the study of the contribution of the rest of the body to these abnormal forces on the foot, as well as the affect the abnormal foot has on the leg, knee, hip, back, posture, etc.

There are a multitude of injuries and pain patterns associated with these forces; with 27 injuries associated with the complexity of abnormal foot pronation alone (excessive rolling in of the foot). Available modalities of treatment may include, though are not limited to: over the counter shoe inserts, taping, strengthening exercises, stretching exercises, shoe changes, correcting training errors, mobility and balance training, and custom orthotic devices.

Some of the topics at the Seminar included The Biomechanical Exam, Adult Acquired Flatfoot, Injury and Pain Management via Joint Manipulation, Limb Length Discrepancy, Managing Running Injuries and Orthotic Casting Technique. My thanks to Dr. D’Amico and the contributors for a Seminar that has actual practical value to the biomechanically minded practitioner.