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Sports Podiatry

Clarity In Diagnosis. Confidence In Treatment

12-Week Prevention Program

Fast Pain Relief for Acute Injuries

Experts in Manual Therapy, Dry Needling and Exercise

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Sports podiatry is a specialised area of podiatry focused on the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of foot and lower limb injuries related to sport or physical activity.

At Head2Toe, we go beyond looking at just the foot. Our podiatrists use a strength and conditioning perspective, assessing how the entire limb functions — from hip to toe. This approach allows us to manage not only foot pain but also running and sport-related injuries that stem from the way your whole body moves.

Common Signs and Symptoms

Your sports podiatry assessment may include:

Full sports-specific assessment – examining biomechanics of the hip, knee, calf, and foot
Running gait analysis – detailed breakdown of your running technique to optimise efficiency and reduce injury risk
Strength and conditioning testing – assessing calf, Achilles, tibialis posterior, hamstring, and glute strength
Joint range of motion testing – measuring mobility and restrictions that may affect performance
Foot Posture Index (FPI) – checking alignment and function of the foot and ankle
Footwear analysis – reviewing your running shoes, studs, cleats, or sport-specific footwear, with modification options if needed
Rehabilitation planning – customised programs combining strength, conditioning, and load management

Why is it better?

Conventional podiatry often focuses only on the foot. Sports podiatry takes a whole-limb, performance-based approach. We consider the power of the lower leg, biomechanics of the entire kinetic chain, and how your sport places stress on these structures.

This broader assessment helps us diagnose and manage common sporting conditions such as:

Achilles tendinopathy
Calf strains and tears
Tibialis posterior dysfunction
Shin splints (medial tibial stress syndrome)
Stress fractures and bone stress injuries

By combining strength and conditioning principles, footwear advice, and running retraining, we help athletes recover faster and return stronger.

Strength and conditioning integration – building long-term resilience through progressive loading

Running-focused care – for runners of all levels, from beginners to marathoners

Sport-specific expertise – including athletes in cleats, studs, and customised footwear

Modern treatment options including nail bracing and minor surgery

Gentle, expert care from experienced podiatrists

On-site sterilised instruments and surgical setup

Convenient locations in Moonee Ponds and Brunswick

Trusted by hundreds of locals each month

Our podiatrists are passionate about helping athletes perform better and avoid reinjury.

How We Treat It

Our treatment approach is comprehensive and tailored to your sport. It may include:

Strength and conditioning programs to restore load capacity and prevent future injury
Running retraining and gait re-education to optimise technique
Footwear modifications for sport-specific needs, including cleats and stud adjustments
Orthotics when required, to reduce excessive stress on injured tissues
Manual therapy, taping, and strapping for pain relief and immediate support
Progressive sports-specific rehabilitation – preparing you for sprinting, cutting, jumping, and game-day demands

What to Expect in Your Appointment

At your first visit, expect a comprehensive sports-specific assessment. We’ll measure strength, analyse movement, test your footwear, and identify how your biomechanics contribute to injury. From there, we’ll design a step-by-step treatment plan that fits your sport, your body, and your goals.

Highlight Patient Types

Runners of all levels (track, road, and trail)
Athletes in studded footwear (football, soccer, rugby)
Teenagers with sport-related pain
Individuals recovering from calf, Achilles, or shin injuries
Anyone with recurring lower-limb pain or stress injuries

Frequently Asked Questions

What is sports podiatry?

It’s a branch of podiatry that combines clinical expertise with biomechanics, strength, and conditioning principles to treat and prevent sport-related injuries.

Do I need to be an athlete to benefit?

Not at all. Many of our patients are recreational runners, weekend footballers, or people recovering from injury or surgery.

Can sports podiatry help with running injuries?

Yes. Conditions like shin splints, Achilles pain, calf tears, and stress fractures often respond well to our running analysis and strength-based rehab programs.

Will I always need orthotics?

Not necessarily. Orthotics are just one tool we may use — our priority is building strength, improving biomechanics, and retraining movement patterns.