Sports Podiatry
Sports podiatry is a specialised branch of podiatry that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of foot and lower limb injuries related to sports activities.
Podiatrists who specialise in sports podiatry have extensive knowledge and experience in treating athletes and individuals who are physically active.
Sports podiatrists focus on evaluating and diagnosing lower limb injuries caused by sports or exercise. Common podiatry sports injuries include:
- Achilles tendinopathy is a condition that affects the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It is characterised by pain and stiffness in the back of the heel, and it can be caused by overuse, improper footwear, or a sudden increase in physical activity.
- Runner’s knee is a term used to describe several different conditions that cause pain around the kneecap. It is often caused by overuse, improper alignment of the kneecap, or a weak quadriceps muscle.
- Shin splints , also known as medial tibial stress syndrome, is a condition that causes pain along the shinbone. It is often caused by overuse or improper footwear.
- Ankle instability is a condition that occurs when the ligaments that support the ankle become weak or damaged. It can cause pain and swelling around the ankle, and it can increase the risk of ankle sprains.
- Forefoot pain , or metatarsalgia, is a condition that causes pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot. It is often caused by overuse or improper footwear.
- Stress fractures are small cracks in the bones of the foot or ankle. They are often caused by overuse or a sudden increase in physical activity.
- Iliotibial band syndrome is a condition that causes pain on the outside of the knee. It is often caused by overuse or improper footwear, and it can be aggravated by running or other activities that involve repetitive bending of the knee.
One of the primary roles of sports podiatrists is to design customised treatment plans to help athletes recover from injuries quickly and safely.
At Walk This Way Podiatry, we use a range of techniques and tools to provide effective treatment, including orthotics, physical therapy, and medication. We also work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as sports physicians, physical therapists, and coaches, to provide the best possible care for our patients. As a sports podiatry clinic, we are also involved in the prevention of injuries. We provide advice on footwear selection, appropriate stretching and strengthening exercises, and training techniques to help athletes reduce their risk of injury. We also assess the biomechanics of athletes and provide customised orthotics to help improve their foot and lower limb function. If you are looking for a sports podiatrist near you, it is important to understand that not all podiatrists specialise in sports injuries. At Walk This Way Podiatry, we have specific training and experience in sports podiatry to ensure you receive the most appropriate care.