What Do Sports Podiatrists Do?

There are many different types of professionals who are involved in the diagnosis of conditions and injuries as well as the treatment. Many people who are involved in regular sports activities are at increased risk of conditions and health issues because of the nature of their sport. As such, they often need specialist treatment such as that offered by a professional sports podiatrist.
Sports podiatrists are specialist professionals who deal with the diagnosis and treatment of foot and ankle problems. Some also deal with problems relating to the lower leg. In addition to diagnosis and treatment, sports podiatrists are also able to offer sound advice to those involved in sports to help prevent future injuries and reduce the risk of any problems occurring.

​Common issues include:

• Sports and pain related issues
  
• Foot/ankle/leg pain
  
• Flat feet
  
• Orthotics
  
• Sports injuries
  
• Ankle sprains and rehab
  
• Walking and running assessments
  
• Running technique changes
  
• Stress fractures
  
• Achilles tendonitis
  
• Heel/arch pain
  
• Forefoot pain
  
• Arthritis
  
• Knee/hip pain
  

​Paediatrics (Kids) issues:

​

• Sports and pain related issues
  
• Foot/ankle/leg pain
  
• Flat feet
  
• Orthotics
  
• Sports injuries
  
• Ankle sprains and rehab
  
• Walking and running assessments
  
• Running technique changes
  
• Stress fractures
  
• Achilles tendonitis
  
• Heel/arch pain
  
• Forefoot pain
  
• Arthritis
  
• Knee/hip pain
  

​Paediatrics (Kids) issues:

• Heel pain
  
• Growing pains
  
• Intoeing
  
• Walking and running issues
  
• Footwear advice
  
• Toe walking
  

How do these Professionals Help?

There are various ways in which a sports podiatrist can help you if you undertake regular sporting activities. First off, they can give you advice about the most suitable footwear for your needs as well as exercises that you can do to help strengthen the feet and ankles. These are often the most susceptible areas of the body for those involved in sports such as football or running. By taking heed of the advice offered by these professionals, you can help to reduce the risk of any injuries while participating in these sports.
It is also worth noting that there are various additional problems that can stem from issues relating to the ankles, feet, and lower legs, so your podiatrist may end up treating other issues as well simply because they are linked to the ankles, feet, and lower legs. They are also able to provide you with access to various devices that are designed to improve alignment of the feet and legs as well as ones that can provide you with added support when you are taking part in any physical activity.
It is important to remember that a sports podiatrist does not only deal with injuries and problems that have occurred during sports, although this is a big part of their job. They also deal with the prevention of injuries, so it is well worth seeking advice if you take part in sporting activities on a regular basis. This will make it easier for you to avoid ankle and foot injuries, which means you can continue to enjoy your sport without any interruption.
If you do take part in sports on a regular basis, it is worth seeing a podiatrist if you are experiencing certain issues like:

• Pain in the lower leg
  
• Pain in the ankles or feet 
  
• Pain in hip or knee
  
• Pain in the arches of the feet.
  

It is also important to ensure you heed the advice that your podiatrist offers, as this will help to reduce the risk of injury in the future.

​Staying Safe During Sporting Activities

If you are regularly involved in sports activities, it is well worth speaking to a podiatrist to get more advice about the prevention of injuries while partaking in your chosen sport. If you have already sustained some form of injury as a result of your sports and you need expert advice and treatment, you should also speak with a sports podiatrist.
At Myotherapy Podiatry Advantage, we can provide you with valuable support and advice you need with regards to the treatment or prevention of injuries during sports. For further advice, simply call 9738 1443 or visit the website www.mpadvantage.com.au