Sports Podiatry

Sports & Podiatry

Sports podiatry involves the study of the impact that each different sport has on foot and lower leg. It involves the diagnosis and the treatment of foot, ankle, leg and knee injuries utilising a variety of different methods ranging from insoles, orthotics, footwear and exercises specific to each individual sport. If needed Podiatrist can also refer for ultrasounds, x-rays and cortisone injections.

There are many factors that can cause foot and leg pain and injury. A critical factor is the way the foot and leg move. Podiatrists assess abnormalities in foot and leg movement, as well as techniques, surfaces and footwear when determining causes and treatment of foot and leg pain.

What Is Sports Podiatry?

Sport podiatry involves the expertise in diagnosis of foot problems as well as treatments such as joint mobilisation, massage and trigger point therapy, advanced orthotic therapy, exercise and footwear prescription for the elite, amateur and young athletes, as well as those who have sustained injuries in day to day life

Any sport which involves walking, running, standing or jumping places a greater physical demand on our body than normal day-to-day activities. Injuries to the foot and lower limb make up a large proportion of sporting injuries. Podiatrists are trained to examine the foot and lower limb. They have an advanced knowledge of the biomechanics of athletic movement and can diagnose foot conditions as well as recommend appropriate footwear, training regimens, and, if needed, orthotic devices. Common sporting injuries include plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, heel pain, stress fractures, ankle sprains and shin or knee pain.

Commonly Treated Sports Injuries:

Foot Pain Identifier

Use our Free Foot Pain Identifier to help detect the cause of your foot problems

Sports & Biomechanics

A foot that does not function properly puts excessive strain on bones, ligaments and muscles, ultimately leading to pain and discomfort.

Our podiatrists will analyse the way an individuals foot strikes the ground and evaluate the chain of motion of the major joints in the leg from the ground up. By analysing the way that you walk and run the sports podiatrist will evaluate whether or not there are any mechanical reasons that may be contributing to your injury.

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Video & Pressure Analysis

Using state of the art force platforms at our Unley Clinic synchronised with digital video cameras our Podiatrist’s are able to provide an accurate clinical analysis of your posture, balance and gait.

Video gait analysis is used to assess your gait pattern and lower limb alignment during walking and running gait. It gives you an opportunity to inspect and understand your own lower limb biomechanics and the role of correct footwear and/or orthotics.

Video and Pressure analysis also enables us to accurately diagnose the problem and create a tailored treatment plan for each person.

Diagnostic Scans and X-rays

In some cases your podiatrist may advise on further investigations for definitive diagnosis or to ascertain the integrity or damage of a specific structure. If required your Podiatrists can order X-rays and ultrasound.

Treating Sports Conditions

Each person requires a slightly different treatment regime depending on the cause of their problem is and the level of damage present.
Treatments may consist of Strapping, Braces, Massage, Orthotics, Mobilisation of the joints, Trigger point therapy/dry needling, insoles, exercises, stretching, wobble board exercises, alteration in training regime, and more.