Podiatrists in Blackburn & Essendon

Sports Injury Melbourne

Whether it’s addressing plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, or stress fractures, our team at Melbourne Podiatry Clinic are dedicated to providing comprehensive care to help you recover, rehabilitate, and return to your chosen sport safely and efficiently.

Sports Injury

Sports injuries encompass a wide range of conditions that affect the feet, ankles, and lower limbs, often resulting from the repetitive stresses and high impact associated with athletic activities. These injuries can occur in athletes of all levels, from amateurs to professionals, and can include sprains, strains, fractures, and overuse injuries. Sports podiatrists specialise in diagnosing and treating these injuries, focusing on treatment, biomechanical analysis, gait assessment, and footwear recommendations to optimise performance and prevent future injuries.

Types of Sports Injuries

Sports injuries commonly seen by podiatrists include:

Ankle Sprains

Injuries to the ligaments around the ankle, often caused by sudden twists or roll of the foot.

Plantar Fasciitis

Inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue on the bottom of the foot, commonly caused by overuse or improper footwear.

Achilles Tendonitis

Inflammation of the Achilles tendon, typically due to overuse or repetitive stress.

Stress Fractures

Small cracks or breaks in the bones of the feet or ankles, often caused by repetitive impact or overtraining.

Shin Splints

Pain along the shinbone, resulting from inflammation of the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue in the lower leg.

Morton’s Neuroma

Pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot, often causing burning and numbness.

Blisters

Friction-related injuries characterised by fluid-filled sacs on the skin, commonly seen in athletes who engage in repetitive movements or wear ill-fitting footwear.

Turf Toe

Injury to the joint at the base of the big toe, typically occurring from hyperextension during sports activities.

Tendonitis

Inflammation of the tendons in the foot or ankle, resulting from overuse, repetitive strain, or biomechanical abnormalities.

Stress Fractures

Hairline fractures in the bones of the foot or ankle caused by repetitive stress or overloading, often seen in runners or athletes who perform high-impact activities.

Symptoms

Symptoms of sports injuries may include:

Pain or tenderness in the affected area

Swelling, bruising, or redness

Difficulty bearing weight or walking

Limited range of motion or stiffness

Unable to perform hopping, jumping or running movements

How We Diagnose It

At Melbourne Podiatry Clinic, we diagnose sports injuries through:

Physical examination

Assessing the affected area for signs of injury, including tenderness, swelling, and range of motion.

Gait analysis

Observing how you walk or run to identify any biomechanical issues that may contribute to the injury.

VALD strength testing

Assessing your strength and power using our force plates and dynamometers

Rehabilitation programs

Bespoke rehabilitation progress to return you to your chosen activity

Imaging tests

X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound to visualize the internal structures and confirm the diagnosis.

Referral to on-site specialists

Involving sports physiotherapists, sports doctors, remedial massage therapists, dietitian and rehab consultants

How We Treat It

Our podiatrists offer a range of treatment options for sports injuries, including:

Rice Therapy

Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation to reduce pain and inflammation in the acute phase.

Manual therapies

Soft tissue massage, shockwave therapy, dry needling and joint mobilisation.

Orthotic devices

Custom-made orthotics to support the feet and correct biomechanical issues.

Strengthening programs

Targeted exercises to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and promote proper gait mechanics.

Bracing or taping

To provide additional support and stability to the affected area.

Medication

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroid injections to relieve pain and inflammation. .

Immediate Management

Immediate management of sports injuries may include:

Rest

Avoiding activities that aggravate the injury to allow for healing.

Ice therapy

Applying ice packs to the affected area to reduce pain and swelling.

Compression

Using compression bandages or wraps to support the injured area.

Elevation

Keeping the injured area elevated above heart level to reduce swelling.

Rehabilitation Process

The rehabilitation process for sports injuries typically involves:

Conservative treatment

Reduce the pain, swelling and improve mobility.

Gradual return to activity

Incrementally increasing activity levels as the injury heals, under the guidance of a podiatrist or physiotherapist.

Stretching and strengthening exercises

To restore mobility, strength, and flexibility to the affected area.

Monitoring progress

Regular follow-up appointments to assess healing and adjust the treatment plan as needed. We use VALD strength testing to help ensure you are safe to return to your chosen sport.

Returning to Activity Safely

Returning to activity safely after a sports injury requires:

Follow-up care

Adhering to the recommended treatment plan and attending follow-up appointments.

Proper rehabilitation

Completing rehabilitation exercises and gradually increasing activity levels.

Testing Results

Meeting certain strength and flexibility targets prior to return to activity.

Using appropriate protective gear

Wearing supportive footwear and any recommended bracing or taping during activity.

Why Choose Our Clinic

Expertise

Our podiatrists have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating sports injuries, with a focus on foot and ankle conditions.

Customised treatment plans

We develop individualised treatment plans tailored to your specific injury, activity level, and goals.

Comprehensive approach

We address not only the symptoms but also the underlying causes of sports injuries to provide long-term relief and prevent

Latest technology

We use advanced diagnostic tools and treatment techniques to ensure the best outcomes for our patients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Often yes but it depends on the type and severity of the injury. Your podiatrist can provide guidance on modifying your exercise routine to avoid exacerbating the injury.
Recovery time varies depending on the type and severity of the injury, as well as individual factors such as age and overall health.
Surgery may be necessary for some sports injuries, but many can be effectively treated with conservative measures such as rest, physical therapy, and orthotics.
While not all sports injuries can be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk, including proper warm-up and cool-down routines, wearing appropriate footwear, and listening to your body’s signals of fatigue or pain.

Melbourne Podiatry Clinic

Book a Consultation

Don’t let a sports injury keep you sidelined. Contact Melbourne Podiatry Clinic today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced podiatrists. Let us help you get back to your active lifestyle safely and confidently!
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