Pain & Injury Assessment
A thorough clinical assessment is the foundation of effective treatment. We don't guess — we diagnose. Every treatment recommendation we make is guided by what we find during your assessment.
Accurate diagnosis dictates which treatment options are most suitable for your specific condition. Without it, treatment is a shot in the dark.
Why Assessment Comes First
Too often, patients receive treatment based on assumptions rather than evidence. Heel pain isn't always plantar fasciitis. Achilles pain isn't always tendinopathy. Knee pain doesn't always originate in the knee.
Accurate diagnosis dictates which treatment options are most suitable. Orthotics won't help a condition that requires injection therapy. Shockwave therapy won't resolve a problem caused by a biomechanical fault. Exercise alone won't fix a structural issue.
That's why every patient journey at Lower Limb Clinic begins with a comprehensive assessment. We combine five key pillars of clinical investigation to build a complete picture of your condition — so we can treat the cause, not just the symptoms.
Our Five-Pillar Assessment
Each assessment component provides a different piece of the diagnostic puzzle. Together, they give us the clinical confidence to recommend the right treatment for you.
Detailed History
We start by listening. Your injury history, activity levels, footwear, occupation, previous treatments and goals all shape our clinical reasoning and guide every decision that follows.
Gait Analysis
Video and pressure-plate gait analysis allows us to observe how you walk and run in real time. This reveals compensatory movement patterns, asymmetries and loading issues that are often invisible to the naked eye.
Diagnostic Ultrasound
Real-time musculoskeletal ultrasound lets us visualise soft tissue structures — tendons, ligaments, fascia, bursae and joints — so we can confirm or rule out conditions like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, Morton's neuroma and more.
Hands-On Evaluation
Palpation, joint range-of-motion testing, muscle strength testing and specific orthopaedic provocation tests help us pinpoint the exact structure causing your symptoms.
Functional Testing
We assess how your body moves under load — single-leg balance, calf raises, squats and sport-specific movements — to identify strength deficits and movement faults that contribute to your pain.
Assessment Dictates Treatment
Based on your assessment findings, we'll recommend the most appropriate treatment pathway. These are some of the options that may be recommended — but only if your assessment supports it.
Custom 3D-Printed Orthotics
Precision-engineered insoles designed from your gait data and clinical findings to correct biomechanical faults and redistribute pressure.
Learn moreShockwave Therapy
NICE-recommended treatment for chronic tendon conditions and plantar fasciitis, stimulating tissue repair and reducing pain.
Learn moreUltrasound-Guided Injection Therapy
Corticosteroid, hyaluronic acid and high volume injections delivered under real-time ultrasound for maximum accuracy and effectiveness.
Learn moreRehabilitation & Exercise
Tailored strengthening, stretching and loading programmes to address the root cause of your injury and prevent recurrence.
Gait Retraining
Video-assisted running and walking retraining to correct harmful movement patterns identified during your assessment.
Learn moreAppointment Types & Pricing
Choose the assessment that best fits your needs. Not sure? Call us and we'll help you decide.
Foot or Leg Pain — New Patient
A comprehensive first assessment for any foot, ankle, knee or lower leg pain. Includes detailed history, hands-on examination, gait analysis and diagnostic ultrasound where clinically indicated. You'll leave with a clear diagnosis and treatment plan.
Ideal for: Most patients with a new or ongoing pain problem.
Foot or Leg Pain — Extended
Our most thorough assessment, ideal for complex or multi-site problems. Includes everything in the standard assessment plus extended gait analysis with pressure plate testing, full biomechanical evaluation and orthotic suitability assessment.
Ideal for: Complex cases, multiple problem areas, runners or athletes, orthotic assessment.
Foot or Leg Pain — Follow-Up
A review appointment to monitor progress, adjust your treatment plan, perform any hands-on treatment, and progress your rehabilitation. Follow-ups are essential for ensuring the best possible outcome.
Ideal for: Returning patients already under our care.
Children's Foot Assessment
A specialist assessment for children under 16 with foot, ankle or leg pain, walking concerns, or flat feet. We take time to explain findings to both parent and child in a relaxed, supportive environment.
Ideal for: Children with growing pains, flat feet, in-toeing, or sports injuries.
Health Insurance Accepted
We are recognised providers for major health insurers
Many of our pain and injury assessments and treatments are covered by health insurance. We are registered providers with BUPA and WPA. If you have private health insurance, check your policy for podiatry or musculoskeletal cover — you may be able to claim back some or all of your treatment costs.
View all insurance information"Paul was incredibly thorough. He used ultrasound to show me exactly what was wrong with my Achilles, explained why previous treatments hadn't worked, and laid out a clear plan. Within weeks I was back running pain-free."
James M.
Treated for: Chronic Achilles Tendinopathy
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Pain & Injury Assessment at Lower Limb Clinic.
Find Your Nearest Clinic
Get Pain & Injury Assessment at our clinic, conveniently located in East Belfast
Lisburn Road Clinic
385 Lisburn Road, BT9 7EP
Ormeau Road Clinic
373 Ormeau Road, BT7 3GP
Newcastle Clinic
1 Shimna Road, BT33 0AS
We serve patients from across Belfast and Northern Ireland including East Belfast, South Belfast, Lisburn, Bangor, Holywood, Newtownards, Dundonald, Carryduff, Hillsborough, and Comber.