What is Sports Podiatry?
Sports podiatry is a dedicated branch of podiatry that focuses on diagnosing, treating, and rehabilitating foot and lower limb conditions caused by physical activity. By addressing the unique demands of different sports, our sports podiatrists work to relieve pain and get you back to your chosen activity as quickly as possible. Beyond immediate relief, we also focus on recovery and correcting biomechanical issues to prevent future injuries. Whether you’re a professional athlete or someone who enjoys staying active, our evidence-based treatments and advanced techniques support your recovery and help you perform at your best.
Common Conditions Treated by Sports Podiatry
From injuries to overuse and biomechanical imbalances, sports podiatry provides solutions for a range of foot, ankle, and lower limb conditions. Our podiatrists take a targeted approach to identify and treat the cause of discomfort, commonly managing 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: Heel or foot pain can develop due to high-impact sports, extended periods of activity, or underlying biomechanical imbalances.
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: Ankle sprains occur when ligaments are overstretched or torn, often happening in sports that involve sudden direction changes or movement on uneven 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: Achilles tendonitis is the inflammation of the Achilles tendon, causing stiffness and pain, especially during movement or 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: Discomfort in the big toe joint is commonly caused by joint sprains, trauma, or arthritis, leading to stiffness and pain during 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
At Foot and Leg Pain Centre, we are dedicated to providing evidence-based treatments informed by extensive clinical studies and the latest research. Our goal is to help you return to peak performance—both in sport and everyday life! Dr. Chard was a founding member of The University of Sydney's research team on "Talent Identification of Elite Adolescent Athletes."
Experienced Team
Not only are our podiatrists highly skilled, but they’re also athletes themselves. This gives them a deep understanding of how foot and leg pain can impact your performance, allowing them to deliver effective treatment that keeps you moving while supporting your recovery.
A Note for Referrals
Helping patients stay active requires expert care, and we’re here to assist. Our team delivers evidence-based treatments for foot, ankle, and lower limb injuries, supporting athletes and active individuals in maintaining peak performance. Whether treating chronic pain, rehabilitating sports injuries, or preventing future problems, we use the latest research to provide tailored care. We also offer structured falls risk identification, risk profiling for ankle sprains and instability, and personalised rehabilitation programs.
If you’re a healthcare professional seeking a trusted partner for your patients’ foot and lower limb care, we welcome your referrals. Our team provides collaborative, evidence-based treatment and works within Enhanced Primary Care Plan arrangements. Contact us today to discuss how we can contribute to 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.
Sports podiatry benefits individuals at all activity levels, from elite athletes to casual exercisers. It’s especially useful for those dealing with pain, injuries, or movement challenges during or after physical activity.
Sports podiatrists can help prevent injuries by identifying risk factors early and designing tailored prevention strategies. If you’re experiencing ongoing pain in your foot, ankle, lower limb, or lower back, or if you frequently suffer from sports-related injuries, it’s worth seeking expert guidance.
Selecting the right shoes can help prevent injuries and improve athletic performance. Our podiatrists offer tailored recommendations based on your sport, foot type, and biomechanics to ensure optimal support and comfort.
Sports podiatrists employ various techniques to diagnose, treat, and prevent injuries. These may include biomechanical assessments, gait analysis, running technique coaching, custom orthotics, footwear guidance, strength and conditioning exercises, taping, dry needling, and shockwave therapy. The treatment approach is tailored to the individual’s needs and activity level.
General podiatry addresses overall foot health, including nail care and skin conditions, whereas sports podiatry is focused on early diagnosis and treatment to help you recover swiftly and get back to your sport. With a performance-based approach, it enhances movement, supports injury recovery, and reduces the risk of future issues.
Recovery is influenced by the type and extent of the injury, but we often implement strategies during your visit to keep you active. Your podiatrist will create a structured treatment plan to help you return to your sport as quickly and safely as possible.
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. Book your appointment with us today and start your journey to pain-free movement.