What is Sports Podiatry?
Sports podiatry is a specialised area that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of foot and lower limb conditions related to sports and physical activities. Understanding the specific stresses each sport places on the body, our sports podiatrists aim to relieve pain and restore function as efficiently as possible. We not only focus on immediate pain relief but also work to address biomechanical factors that may contribute to recurring injuries. Whether you’re an elite athlete or a weekend warrior, our evidence-based approach and advanced techniques ensure a faster return to peak performance.
Which Foot and Lower Limb Issues Can Sports Podiatry Address?
Sports podiatry is designed to address various issues related to the feet, ankles, and lower limbs. Whether due to sports injuries, overuse, or movement imbalances, our podiatrists work to find and treat the underlying cause. We regularly assist with conditions such as:
Plantar Fasciitis: Plantar fascia inflammation, commonly known as plantar fasciitis, results from repetitive stress, overuse, or improper foot mechanics, leading to discomfort along the bottom of the foot.
Heel and Foot Pain: Engaging in high-impact sports, prolonged physical activity, or having biomechanical irregularities can lead to pain in the heel or foot.
Runner’s Knee: Kneecap pain frequently arises from improper foot mechanics or excessive pressure on the knee joint, often linked to repetitive activity or poor alignment.
Ankle Sprains: When ligaments in the ankle are stretched or torn, it can lead to a sprain, frequently occurring in activities involving rapid movements and unstable surfaces.
Stress Fractures: Overuse and repeated impact can result in stress fractures, which are small cracks in the bones of the feet or lower legs, commonly seen in athletes and active individuals.
Achilles Tendonitis: Inflammation of the Achilles tendon can result in stiffness and discomfort, particularly when walking, running, or engaging in physical activity.
Shin Splints: Pain along the shinbone, commonly known as shin splints, is typically caused by excessive running, poor footwear choices, or overuse.
Turf Toe: Big toe joint pain often stems from trauma, excessive strain, or arthritis, causing discomfort and limiting movement.
Why Foot and Leg Pain Centre?
Qualified Sports Podiatrist
Dr Angus Chard PhD is a Certified Sports Podiatrist with over 30 years of clinical experience. His qualifications, along with his Fellowship of Sports Exercise Podiatry Australia (FSEPA), set him apart as a leader in the field. Additionally, he serves as an Honorary Associate at The University of Sydney.
Evidence Based Approach
We believe in evidence-backed treatments at Foot and Leg Pain Centre, using the latest clinical studies and research to get you back to your best—whether in competition or daily activities. Dr. Chard contributed to The University of Sydney’s pioneering research on "Talent Identification of Elite Adolescent Athletes," reinforcing our commitment to performance-driven care.
Experienced Team
Our team isn’t just made up of experienced podiatrists—they’re also athletes who understand firsthand how foot and leg pain affects performance. With this insight, they are dedicated to providing fast and effective relief while helping you recover and stay active.
A Note for Referrals
If you’re a practitioner looking to help your patients stay active, we’re here to support you. Our team provides evidence-based treatments for foot, ankle, and lower limb injuries, ensuring athletes and active individuals can continue performing at their best. From managing chronic pain to treating sports injuries and preventing future issues, we tailor our care using the latest research and techniques. We also offer evidence-based falls risk identification and risk profiling for ankle sprains and instability, along with structured rehabilitation programs.
We welcome referrals from healthcare professionals who recognise the value of our expertise for their patients. Our collaborative approach ensures that every patient receives comprehensive care, and we’re happy to work within Enhanced Primary Care Plan arrangements. Contact us today to learn how we can assist with your patients’ recovery and performance.
Foot And Leg Pain Centre
Your Sports Podiatry Questions Answered
Whether you land on your forefoot, midfoot, or rearfoot, or feel overwhelmed by footwear choices like minimalist, maximalist, or motion control running shoes, our experienced podiatrists can guide you. We’ll discuss the latest evidence and make minor adjustments to your running technique to help optimise your performance.
Whether you’re a professional athlete or a weekend warrior, sports podiatry can help. It’s ideal for anyone experiencing discomfort, injuries, or mobility issues related to exercise or sports performance.
Seeing a sports podiatrist before an injury occurs can help identify evidence-based risk factors and implement proactive prevention strategies. If you’re dealing with persistent foot, ankle, lower limb, or lower back pain, recurring injuries, or discomfort during or after activity, it’s time to seek expert care.
Footwear choice is a crucial factor in injury prevention and sports performance. Our podiatrists provide expert guidance to help you find the ideal shoes for your foot type, biomechanics, and specific sporting activities.
A range of techniques is used by sports podiatrists to assess, treat, and prevent injuries. These include biomechanical evaluations, gait analysis, running technique refinement, custom orthotics, footwear advice, strength and conditioning, taping, dry needling, and shockwave therapy. The approach is tailored to each person’s specific needs.
General podiatry focuses on foot health, including skin and nail care, while sports podiatry takes a proactive, performance-based approach to treating and preventing injuries. It emphasises early intervention and rehabilitation, helping athletes and active individuals recover efficiently and enhance movement.
The time needed for recovery varies based on the injury type and severity. We often provide immediate offloading techniques during consultations, helping you stay active without missing training or games. Your podiatrist will design a customised treatment plan to support your rehabilitation and safe return to sport.
Stay Active and Pain-Free with Foot and Leg Pain Centre
Strong, healthy feet are essential for maintaining an active lifestyle. Our sports podiatry team focuses on identifying, managing, and preventing foot and lower limb conditions related to physical activity. With an evidence-based approach, we help support recovery, improve movement, and minimise injury risks to keep you performing at your best.
Serving Dural, NSW, and its surrounding suburbs, the Foot and Leg Pain Centre regularly treats patients from Westmead, Richmond, Arcadia, Bella Vista, Castle Hill, Cherrybrook, Galston, Glenhaven, Hornsby, Kellyville, Northmead, Norwest, Rouse Hill, Westleigh, Kenthurst, Parramatta, Seven Hills and more. Take control of your foot health—schedule your appointment today.