Sports Podiatry
Sports Podiatry
Sports podiatry focuses on the assessment, treatment, and prevention of foot, ankle, and lower limb injuries related to physical activity. Whether you’re a professional athlete or a enjoy running to maintain a healthy lifestyle, the way your body moves plays a crucial role in performance and injury prevention.
Our bodies are all built differently, so some muscles or joints might not work as well as others. When this happens, nearby areas may have to work harder to make up for it, which can cause strain or discomfort. Over time, this can lead to pain or problems in other parts of the body, even ones that seem unrelated. This is known as “referred symptoms” because the body is adjusting and compensating for the imbalance.
Putting too much strain on the body over time can lead to wear and tear, making it harder to treat injuries and, in some cases, requiring surgery. Different sports put unique demands on our lower body. For example:
- In boxing, the big toe needs to bend properly for rotational movements, but conditions like Hallux Limitus/Rigidus can limit this motion.
- In bowling, proper movement in the ankles, knees, and hips is crucial for good technique.
- In rowing, the front of the foot takes a lot of pressure, and the arch of the foot must be stiff to transfer power efficiently.
- In racket sports, stable ankles are essential for quick changes in direction.
If these body parts don’t function well, it can impact performance and lead to injuries. Identifying a functional or structural imbalance could reduce the need for compensation and/or overuse injuries, preventing the need for more complex treatment in the future.
The sooner this issue is dealt with the better.
At Pioneer, our clinical team goes beyond just understanding the movement needs of different sports. We thoroughly assess every lower limb joint, both when it’s at rest and in motion. We also examine muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues, including skin elasticity, to get a full picture of how the body moves.
Additionally, we analyse how the foot interacts with the ground through footwear during weight-bearing activities like running, golf, bowling, tennis, and rowing. By combining all this information, we create customised musculoskeletal solutions tailored to each individual’s needs.
Whether you or a loved one is dealing with podiatry concerns, we’re here to help.
FAQs
A podiatrist is a healthcare professional specializing in diagnosing, treating, and preventing conditions affecting the feet, ankles, and lower limbs.
One of the most common conditions podiatrists treat is bunions (a bony bulge on the outside of the big toe that causes pain, swelling, and limited movement of the toe). It is recommended to visit your local podiatrist if your foot care routine is not alleviating any foot and ankle symptoms. As we get older, an annual foot health check is as important as a sight or hearing test. Conditions like diabetes or circulatory problems can all be picked up by looking at the feet, and common problems like corns, cracked skin, and ingrown toenails can be successfully treated. Even digital deformities such as bunions can be prevented at an early stage or managed effectively at Pioneer Private Care, so the best advice is to have an initial consultation with a member of the team.
Gait Analysis is a frame-by-frame analysis of your walking or running style, to help identify any lower limb problem or discrepancy
“Very good, I would definitely recommend Vince Herencia for any feet or leg treatment. ”
– Anne
