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 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: 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: Heel or foot pain can develop due to high-impact sports, extended periods of activity, or underlying biomechanical imbalances.
Runner’s Knee: Excessive strain on the knee joint or misalignment in gait can contribute to pain around the kneecap, affecting movement and function.
Ankle Sprains: A sprained ankle results from ligament stretching or tearing, commonly seen in sports requiring quick pivots, sudden stops, or navigating uneven terrain.
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 develops when the tendon becomes irritated and inflamed, leading to pain and stiffness, often aggravated by movement.
Shin Splints: Overuse, inadequate footwear, or prolonged running on hard surfaces can lead to shin splints, causing discomfort along the shinbone.
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
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
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
As both experienced podiatrists and athletes, our team recognises the toll foot and leg pain can take on your performance. They are committed to providing rapid relief while guiding you through a rehabilitation process that keeps you 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 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
If you’re unsure about your foot strike pattern or feel lost in the sea of running shoe options—from minimalist to maximalist to motion control—our skilled podiatrists can help. We provide evidence-based insights and minor technique refinements to enhance your performance and reduce injury risk.
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.
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.
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.
Sports podiatrists utilise evidence-based techniques such as biomechanical assessments, gait analysis, running form coaching, orthotics, footwear recommendations, strength training, taping, dry needling, and shockwave therapy. Each treatment plan is individually designed to support the patient’s activity level and recovery goals.
Unlike general podiatry, which deals with foot health concerns such as nail and skin conditions, sports podiatry is geared toward rapid assessment and treatment to get you back into action quickly. It prioritises movement efficiency, injury prevention, and recovery 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
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.