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 near Norwest 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.
What Conditions Does Sports Podiatry Treat?
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: Engaging in high-impact sports, prolonged physical activity, or having biomechanical irregularities can lead to 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: 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: 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: 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
With more than 30 years of clinical experience, Dr Angus Chard PhD is a Certified Sports Podiatrist near Norwest 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
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
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
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 gladly accept referrals from healthcare professionals looking to provide their patients with expert foot and lower limb care. Our team works collaboratively to ensure patients receive well-rounded treatment and are happy to accommodate Enhanced Primary Care Plan arrangements. Reach out today to explore how we can support your patients.
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.
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
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 areas for sports podiatry. Get started on your recovery—book an appointment with us today.