Foot & Ankle Health
Sports Podiatry in Sydney
Foot or ankle pain stopping you from training? Our podiatrists assess and manage running and sport-related problems at HealthiClinic in Greenwich.
What is sports podiatry?
Sports podiatry focuses on foot, ankle and lower-limb problems that affect training, competition and everyday activity. Care is suitable for recreational walkers and runners as well as competitive athletes.
Our aim is to identify the likely source of symptoms, reduce aggravating load and support a safe return to
activity.
Sports Podiatry Assessment
Assessment may include the history of the injury, training changes, footwear, joint movement, strength, balance, walking or running mechanics and the demands of the sport.
Where necessary, the podiatrist may recommend imaging or coordinate care with a GP, physiotherapist, sports physician or other relevant practitioner.
Common Problems We Assess
- Heel and arch pain
- Achilles tendon pain
- Ankle sprains and ongoing instability
- Shin pain
- Forefoot pain
- Stress injury concerns
- Sesamoid pain
- Plantar plate injuries
- Running-related foot pain
- Footwear, orthotic or training-load concerns
Treatment and rehabilitation
- Load modification and activity planning
- Footwear advice
- Taping, padding or bracing
- Strength and mobility exercises
- Balance and proprioception work
- Orthotics where clinically appropriate
- Gradual return-to-running or return-to-sport plans
- Referral for imaging or medical review when indicated
Running and Footwear Advice
There is no single shoe that is right for every runner. Our podiatrists consider comfort, fit, training surface, injury history and the individual’s movement pattern when discussing footwear.
Changing footwear alone may not resolve an injury, particularly when training load, strength, recovery or technique also contribute.
Returning to sport
A staged return is often safer than waiting for pain to disappear and then immediately resuming full training. The podiatrist can help set practical milestones based on symptoms, strength and the requirements of the
activity.
When further assessment is required
Severe pain, inability to bear weight, marked swelling, suspected fracture, neurological symptoms or pain that
is not improving may require imaging or medical review. Our podiatrists can help direct the next step.
Care from our podiatry team
Our associate podiatrists provide sports assessment, rehabilitation, footwear advice and orthotic management. Patients with complex or persistent problems can be reviewed within the broader HealthiClinic clinical network when appropriate.
Meet Dr. Damien Lafferty
Podiatric Surgeon & General Podiatrist
Dr Damien Lafferty is a surgical podiatrist based in Sydney, Australia. He has 38 years of podiatry experience, including 29 years of podiatric surgical experience, and has taught at the University of Newcastle for 19 years.
For patients whose concern can be managed through general podiatry, care may remain straightforward. Where a more specialised pathway is appropriate, the initial assessment can help identify the next step.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need to stop sport completely?
Not always. Many injuries can be managed with temporary load reduction or modified activity rather than
complete rest.
Can a podiatrist assess running injuries?
Yes. Podiatrists assess foot, ankle and lower-limb factors that may contribute to running-related symptoms.
Will I need orthotics?
Only when the assessment suggests they may help. Rehabilitation, footwear and training changes may be more important for some people.
Should I bring my sports shoes?
Yes. Bring the shoes you train or compete in, along with any current orthotics.
Can children and teenagers attend?
Yes. Our podiatrists assess sport-related foot and lower-limb concerns in growing children and adolescents.
Do you arrange scans?
Where clinically indicated, the podiatrist may recommend imaging or liaise with another practitioner.
How quickly can I return to running?
This depends on the diagnosis, severity, duration and response to treatment. A gradual plan is usually
recommended.
Can you help with repeated ankle sprains?
Yes. Assessment may include strength, balance, footwear, bracing and rehabilitation.
Do I need a referral?
A referral is generally not required for a private podiatry appointment.
Is sports podiatry only for elite athletes?
No. It is suitable for anyone whose foot or ankle symptoms interfere with exercise or activity.
Book a sports podiatry appointment
if your foot or ankle symptoms are limiting training, competition or everyday activity.