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
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: Irritation and inflammation of the plantar fascia, often triggered by repetitive strain, excessive use, or poor foot alignment, can cause significant foot pain.
Heel and Foot Pain: High-impact movements, extended activity levels, or biomechanical misalignments can contribute to discomfort and pain in the heel or foot.
Runner’s Knee: Discomfort around the kneecap can result from biomechanical imbalances, poor gait mechanics, or repeated stress on the knee joint.
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: Repetitive strain or overtraining can lead to stress fractures—tiny cracks in the bones of the feet or lower legs that cause pain and discomfort.
Achilles Tendonitis: Stiffness and pain in the Achilles tendon are common signs of inflammation, typically worsened by activity and repetitive strain.
Shin Splints: Shin splints develop due to repetitive strain on the shinbone, often resulting from high-impact activities, improper footwear, or excessive training on hard surfaces.
Turf Toe: Pain in the large ball joint of the foot can develop due to sprains, direct impact injuries, or degenerative conditions like arthritis.
Why Foot and Leg Pain Centre?
Qualified Sports Podiatrist
A Certified Sports Podiatrist with a PhD, Dr Angus Chard is also a Fellow of Sports Exercise Podiatry Australia (FSEPA). With more than 30 years of clinical experience and an Honorary Associate role at The University of Sydney, he stands out as a highly regarded authority in Sports Podiatry.
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
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.
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
No matter if you’re a forefoot, midfoot, or rearfoot striker, or struggling to choose between minimalist, maximalist, or motion control running shoes, our podiatrists are here to help. We’ll break down the science behind these options and refine your running technique with small adjustments to improve your efficiency.
Sports podiatry caters to individuals of all fitness levels, from high-performance athletes to everyday exercisers. If pain, injuries, or movement issues are affecting your activity, our expert care can help.
Consider visiting a sports podiatrist before an injury develops to assess potential risk factors and create a prevention plan. If you’re already experiencing ongoing foot, ankle, lower limb, or lower back pain, frequent injuries, or discomfort after exercise, a consultation can help address the issue.
Wearing the right footwear is essential for injury prevention and performance enhancement. Our podiatrists offer personalised guidance to help you choose the best shoes for your sport, foot type, and biomechanics.
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.
Helping You Stay on Your Feet – Foot and Leg Pain Centre
Keeping your feet healthy is crucial for maintaining an active lifestyle and achieving peak performance. Our sports podiatry services specialise in assessing, treating, and preventing foot and lower limb concerns caused by physical activity. Through evidence-based care, we support recovery, optimise movement, and lower injury risks to keep you moving.
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. Get started on your recovery—book an appointment with us today.