At Natural Foot Podiatry, we specialise in Sports Podiatry, offering expert care to athletes and active individuals who experience foot, ankle, and lower limb injuries. Whether you're a competitive athlete, a weekend warrior, or someone who enjoys regular exercise, we understand the physical demands of sports and the impact they have on your feet and legs.

Our Sports Podiatry services are designed to prevent, diagnose, and treat injuries that result from sports-related activities. We take a holistic approach to care, combining advanced diagnostic techniques with personalised treatment plans to help you return to your sport safely and effectively.

What is Sports Podiatry?
Sports Podiatry focuses on the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of foot and lower limb injuries caused by physical activity and sports. Our experienced podiatrists assess the biomechanics of your feet, gait, and overall movement patterns to identify any abnormalities that may be contributing to pain or injury. By understanding how your body moves, we can design customised treatment plans that enhance performance, reduce pain, and prevent future injuries.


Common Symptoms in Sports Podiatry:
If you're experiencing any of the following symptoms, it may be a sign that a sports-related injury is affecting your foot or lower limb:

• Pain or discomfort in the foot, ankle, or lower leg: This is the most common symptom of a sports injury and may indicate an underlying issue such as tendinitis, sprains, or stress fractures.
• Swelling and bruising: Often present after a sprain, strain, or impact injury.
• Stiffness or reduced range of motion: Difficulty moving the foot or ankle normally could signal a joint or soft tissue injury.
• Numbness or tingling: This could be a sign of nerve involvement, often associated with pressure on nerves due to misalignment or injury.
• Difficulty walking or running: Pain or discomfort when walking, running, or participating in sports is a common sign of an injury that needs attention.
• Heel or arch pain: Persistent pain in the heel (e.g., plantar fasciitis) or arch of the foot can interfere with physical activities and athletic performance.
• Pain during or after exercise: This can indicate an overuse injury or biomechanical problem that needs to be addressed.

Common Causes of Sports Injuries Treated in Sports Podiatry:
1. Overuse Injuries
Overuse injuries occur when the same motions are repeated too often without adequate rest, leading to strain on the muscles, tendons, and bones. These injuries are common in sports that involve repetitive movements, such as running, jumping, and cycling.
Common Overuse Injuries:

• Plantar Fasciitis (heel pain)
• Achilles Tendinitis (pain in the Achilles tendon)
• Shin Splints (pain along the shin)
• Stress Fractures (small cracks in the bone due to repetitive impact)

2. Biomechanical Issues
Biomechanical abnormalities, such as poor foot alignment or gait abnormalities, can put excessive stress on certain areas of the feet and lower limbs, leading to pain or injury. For example, flat feet, high arches, or overpronation can contribute to conditions like shin splints, knee pain, or lower back pain.
Biomechanical Conditions:

• Overpronation (rolling inwards of the foot during walking or running)
• Supination (underpronation, or rolling outwards of the foot)
• Flat Feet (collapsed arches)
• High Arches (insufficient shock absorption)

3. Acute Injuries
Acute injuries are typically caused by sudden trauma or impact during sports activities. These injuries can range from sprains and strains to fractures or dislocations. They often occur during contact sports, running, or activities involving sudden changes in direction or high-intensity movements.
Common Acute Injuries:

• Sprained Ankle (ligament damage from twisting or rolling the ankle)
• Fractures (bone breaks from trauma or impact)
• Ligament Tears (e.g., Achilles tendon tear or medial collateral ligament injury)
• Contusions (bruises caused by direct impact)
• Bursitis (inflammation of the bursa due to repetitive pressure)

4. Improper Footwear
Wearing the wrong shoes or footwear that doesn't fit properly can lead to a range of foot and lower limb injuries. Shoes that do not provide adequate support, cushioning, or stability can contribute to issues like plantar fasciitis, blisters, and stress fractures, especially during sports activities.
Footwear-related Issues:

• Ill-fitting shoes leading to blisters, calluses, and foot pain
• Lack of arch support causing instability or discomfort
• Worn-out shoes that no longer provide adequate shock absorption

5. Poor Warm-up and Cool-down Practices
Failing to properly warm up before exercise or cool down afterward can increase the risk of injury. A proper warm-up helps to prepare the muscles, tendons, and joints for physical activity, while a cool-down can aid in muscle recovery and reduce post-exercise stiffness.
Injury Risks from Poor Practices:

• Muscle strains from insufficient warm-up
• Tendon injuries from improper stretching or overuse
• Joint injuries from high-impact activity without adequate preparation

6. Age-Related Factors
As we age, the tendons, ligaments, and bones in our feet and legs become more susceptible to injury. Older athletes may experience a higher risk of stress fractures, tendon degeneration, and joint problems due to natural wear and tear.


Sports Podiatry Treatments:

• Gait and Biomechanical Assessment: Our podiatrists perform detailed assessments of your walking and running patterns to identify any abnormalities contributing to pain or injury. This helps in the creation of customised treatment plans.
• Custom Orthotics: Designed to correct biomechanical imbalances, custom orthotics help improve foot alignment, reduce pain, and enhance performance.
• Sports Injury Rehabilitation: We use a variety of rehabilitation techniques, including physical therapy, strengthening exercises, and manual therapy, to help you recover from injuries and return to sports quickly and safely.
• Footwear Advice and Fitting: Our podiatrists offer expert advice on choosing the right footwear for your specific sport and foot type, helping to prevent injuries caused by improper shoes.
• Taping and Strapping: For acute injuries or ongoing support, we provide taping and strapping techniques to help protect and stabilise joints during recovery.

Why Choose Sports Podiatry at Natural Foot Podiatry?

• Specialised Expertise: Our team of experienced podiatrists has a deep understanding of sports-related injuries and the unique demands of various sports.
• Tailored Treatment Plans: We offer personalised care, using the latest technologies and treatment methods to address your specific condition and goals.
• Comprehensive Care: From injury prevention to recovery, we offer a full range of services to help you perform at your best while minimising the risk of injury.

Whether you're experiencing pain from a recent injury or want to improve your performance, Sports Podiatry at Natural Foot Podiatry can help you get back on track. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the next step toward pain-free performance.