What is Sports Podiatry?
Sports podiatry is a focused field of podiatry dedicated to diagnosing and treating foot and lower limb conditions caused by sports and exercise. By understanding the demands different activities place on the body, our sports podiatrists provide targeted treatments to relieve pain and promote quick recovery. We go beyond symptom relief to address underlying biomechanical concerns, helping to prevent future injuries. Whether you’re a professional competitor or simply enjoy an active lifestyle, our advanced treatment methods support your recovery and optimise your performance.
What Conditions Does Sports Podiatry Treat?
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: Heel or foot pain can develop due to high-impact sports, extended periods of activity, or underlying biomechanical imbalances.
Runner’s Knee: Pain around the kneecap is often caused by improper gait patterns or excessive stress on the knee joint, leading to discomfort and reduced mobility.
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: Stress fractures are small cracks in the bones of the feet or lower legs, often resulting from repetitive impact, excessive training, or overuse.
Achilles Tendonitis: Achilles tendonitis develops when the tendon becomes irritated and inflamed, leading to pain and stiffness, often aggravated by movement.
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 and around the big ball joint of the foot, often resulting from spraining the joint, direct trauma and or arthritis.
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 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.
Healthcare professionals are welcome to refer patients who could benefit from our specialised care. We take a collaborative approach, ensuring comprehensive treatment and seamless integration with Enhanced Primary Care Plan arrangements. Get in touch today to discuss how we can support 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 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.
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.
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.
To diagnose, treat, and prevent injuries, sports podiatrists use a combination of methods, including biomechanical assessments, gait analysis, running coaching, custom orthotics, footwear recommendations, strength training, taping, dry needling, and shockwave therapy. Each treatment plan is customised based on the individual’s sport 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.
Healing times differ depending on the injury’s severity, but we aim to offload the area during your consultation so you can keep training or playing. Your podiatrist will craft a tailored treatment plan to promote recovery and minimise downtime.
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. Schedule your appointment today and take the first step towards better foot health.