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.
How Can Sports Podiatry Help You?
Sports podiatry supports the diagnosis and treatment of foot, ankle, and lower limb conditions. Whether caused by injury, repetitive strain, or biomechanical issues, our approach focuses on addressing the underlying cause. Common conditions we treat include:
Plantar Fasciitis: Overuse, repeated impact, or faulty foot mechanics can lead to inflammation of the plantar fascia, a tissue band that runs along the foot’s underside, resulting in pain and discomfort.
Heel and Foot Pain: Persistent heel or foot pain often stems from intense physical activity, excessive strain, or improper foot mechanics.
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, caused by ligament overstretching or tearing, are prevalent in sports with abrupt changes in direction or movement on uneven ground.
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: Inflammation of the Achilles tendon can result in stiffness and discomfort, particularly when walking, running, or engaging in physical activity.
Shin Splints: Overuse, inadequate footwear, or prolonged running on hard surfaces can lead to shin splints, causing discomfort along the shinbone.
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
With more than 30 years of clinical experience, Dr Angus Chard PhD is a Certified Sports Podiatrist and a Fellow of Sports Exercise Podiatry Australia (FSEPA). His expertise in Sports Podiatry is further recognised through his role 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 podiatrists bring both professional expertise and personal athletic experience, giving them a unique perspective on treating foot and leg pain. They focus on fast, effective relief while ensuring you stay on the field throughout your recovery.
A Note for Referrals
For practitioners seeking to keep their patients active and injury-free, we offer expert support. Our evidence-based treatments target foot, ankle, and lower limb injuries, with a strong emphasis on helping athletes and active individuals perform at their peak. Whether it’s managing chronic conditions, addressing sports injuries, or implementing preventative strategies, our approach is guided by the latest research. We also provide falls risk identification and ankle instability risk profiling, complemented by comprehensive 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 are confused by the range of footwear options available, our expert podiatrists can help. We’ll discuss the latest research and fine-tune your running technique with subtle changes to boost efficiency and performance.
From competitive athletes to those who enjoy staying active, sports podiatry is designed for all levels. If you’re struggling with pain, injuries, or movement limitations during or after activity, we can provide targeted support.
A proactive visit to a sports podiatrist can help identify risks and prevent injuries before they happen. If you’re struggling with persistent foot, ankle, lower limb, or lower back pain, or recurring discomfort during or after activity, professional assessment and treatment can make a difference.
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.
While general podiatry covers overall foot health, including nail and skin conditions, sports podiatry specialises in early assessment and treatment to resolve symptoms quickly, allowing you to return to your sport as soon as possible. It takes a performance-driven approach, focusing on injury recovery, movement optimisation, and injury prevention for athletes and active individuals.
Recovery times depend on the nature and severity of the injury. In most cases, we can offload the affected area during your consultation, allowing you to continue training or playing. Your podiatrist will develop a personalised treatment plan to ensure a safe and efficient return to activity.
Keep Moving with Foot and Leg Pain Centre
Healthy feet are key to staying active and performing at your best. Our sports podiatry services assess, manage, and prevent foot and lower limb issues related to physical activity. With evidence-based care, we focus on recovery, improving movement, and minimising injury risks to help you stay at peak performance.
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.