Top 5 Common Sports Injuries Treated by a Sports Podiatrist in Sydney
Introduction
Whether you’re a runner pounding Sydney’s coastal tracks, a footy player tackling hard turf, or a weekend gym-goer, your feet and lower limbs take on a lot of stress. While sport keeps you active and healthy, it can also lead to injuries that hold you back from doing what you love.
This is where a sports podiatrist in Sydney becomes essential. Specialising in the foot, ankle, and lower limb, sports podiatrists diagnose, treat, and prevent injuries — helping you recover faster and reduce the risk of re-injury.
Below are the top 5 sports injuries commonly treated in sports podiatry clinics, and how they’re managed.
Ankle Sprains
Ankle sprains are among the most common sports-related injuries, affecting athletes across all levels. They typically occur when the foot rolls or twists suddenly, often due to landing on an uneven surface or making a quick change in direction. This unexpected movement can overstretch or tear the ligaments that support the ankle joint, leading to pain, swelling, and reduced mobility. While mild sprains may only cause temporary discomfort, more severe cases can result in instability and require proper rehabilitation. Early treatment, such as rest, ice, compression, and elevation, along with guided physiotherapy, is essential to ensure proper healing and prevent future re-injury.
Symptoms include:
Sharp pain on the side of the ankle
Swelling and bruising
Difficulty bearing weight
Instability or “giving way” sensation
Treatment may involve:
Rest, ice, compression, and elevation in the early stage
Ankle bracing or taping for stability
Strength and balance training
Gradual return-to-sport exercises
Orthotics or footwear advice to correct alignment issues
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis, also known as plantar fasciopathy, is a common cause of heel pain and occurs when the thick band of connective tissue running along the bottom of the foot (the plantar fascia) becomes irritated or inflamed. This condition is often linked to repetitive stress or overuse, especially in athletes who run or jump frequently. Contributing factors include wearing unsupportive footwear, having flat feet or high arches, sudden increases in training intensity, or exercising on hard or uneven surfaces. Symptoms typically include sharp heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning. Early management focuses on rest, stretching, supportive footwear, and guided strengthening.
Symptoms include:
Heel pain, especially during the first steps in the morning
Tenderness under the arch
Discomfort after rest or prolonged standing
Treatment may involve:
Stretching and strengthening exercises
Shockwave therapy or night splints
Taping techniques for support
Custom orthotics to offload stress on the fascia
Footwear recommendations
Achilles Tendinopathy
The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the back of the heel and plays a crucial role in walking, running, and jumping. When this tendon is subjected to repetitive strain, overuse, or a sudden increase in training load, it can become irritated or inflamed, leading to Achilles tendinopathy. Athletes who run, jump, or train on hard surfaces are particularly at risk. Symptoms often include stiffness or pain at the back of the heel, especially during activity or first thing in the morning. Without proper management, the condition can worsen over time. Early treatment typically involves load management, stretching, strengthening, and supportive footwear to reduce stress on the tendon.
Symptoms include:
Morning stiffness and pain in the back of the heel
Pain when running or jumping
Thickening or nodules along the tendon
Treatment may involve:
Structured exercise programs (eccentric loading)
Shockwave therapy
Heel lifts or cushioning inserts
Gradual strengthening and mobility work
Gait analysis to correct mechanical issues
Stress Fractures
Stress fractures are small cracks in bones that develop due to repeated impact and overloading without sufficient recovery time. They are particularly common in athletes who engage in high-impact sports such as running, basketball, or dance. These injuries often occur in weight-bearing bones of the lower limb, including the metatarsals in the midfoot, the navicular bone, the heel (calcaneus), or the shinbone (tibia). Early symptoms may include gradual onset of localized pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest. If left untreated, stress fractures can progress to more serious fractures. Management typically involves activity modification, supportive footwear, and a structured return-to-sport program.
Symptoms include:
Localised pain that worsens with activity
Relief during rest but pain returns with movement
Swelling or tenderness in the affected area
Treatment may involve:
Activity modification and rest
Protective boots or braces
Careful return-to-sport planning
Orthotics to correct abnormal loading patterns
Advice on footwear and training loads
Turf Toe
Turf toe occurs when the big toe joint is forced to bend too far upward, causing the ligaments and soft tissues around the joint to stretch or tear. This injury is commonly seen in athletes who play on hard or artificial surfaces, especially in sports that involve sprinting, rapid direction changes, or explosive push-offs, such as football, soccer, and athletics. The condition can cause pain, swelling, and reduced movement in the big toe, making it difficult to push off during running or jumping. Early treatment, including rest, ice, taping or bracing, and supportive footwear, can help manage symptoms and prevent further strain.
Symptoms include:
Pain and swelling at the base of the big toe
Limited movement or stiffness
Difficulty pushing off during running or jumping
Treatment may involve:
Rest and taping
Stiff-soled footwear or custom orthotics
Strengthening and mobility exercises
Load management for a safe return to activity
Why See a Sports Podiatrist?
A sports podiatrist doesn’t just treat the pain — they look at the underlying cause. By assessing biomechanics, footwear, training load, and recovery habits, podiatrists provide tailored care that helps you recover faster and prevent future setbacks.
Conclusion
Foot and lower limb pain shouldn't stop you from performing your best. Early treatment and tailored rehabilitation can speed up recovery, improve movement, and reduce the risk of recurring injury.
At Podhills Podiatry, our team provides personalised sports podiatry care — from gait analysis and orthotics to advanced rehabilitation and return-to-sport programming — helping active individuals across Sydney move pain-free and confidently.
Book your sports podiatry consultation today and take the first step toward returning to the activities you love.
FAQs
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No, you can book directly.
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Often yes — but your podiatrist will modify load to prevent worsening the injury.
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No. Orthotics are only used when clearly beneficial for improving foot mechanics.
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With early assessment and structured rehab, many patients see improvement in 4–8 weeks.
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Absolutely. We treat runners, tradies, gym-goers, parents, kids in sport, and active adults.