Sports Foot & Ankle Injuries

Sport places extra demands on the feet and ankles. Sudden changes in direction, jumping, sprinting and repetitive impact all increase the risk of injury if loads outstrip the body’s capacity to cope.

Common sports-related problems we see

Typical injuries and conditions include:

• Ankle sprains and ongoing ankle pain
• Heel pain and plantar fasciitis
• Achilles tendon pain
• Shin splints and other running-related shin pain
• Ball of foot pain from forefoot overload

These issues often affect players in running, football, netball, basketball, tennis and similar sports.

How sports foot and ankle injuries develop

Injuries may follow one clear incident, such as landing on another player’s foot, or build gradually after changes in training, footwear or playing surface. Limited recovery time, strength deficits and movement patterns can all contribute.

How we assess sports injuries

Assessment is practical and sport-focused. We usually:

• Review how the injury occurred and how symptoms behave with activity
• Examine the affected joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments
• Assess strength, control and balance relevant to the sport
• Observe walking and, when appropriate, running and change-of-direction tasks
• Review training loads, footwear and any bracing or taping used

Treatment and return to sport

Management depends on the diagnosis and stage of injury, but commonly includes:

• Load management and graded return-to-play planning
• Strength and conditioning work targeted to the injury and sport
• Footwear and, when required, orthotics to improve loading
• Use of Radial Shockwave Therapy (RSWT) or laser therapy for persistent tendon or soft tissue pain
• Dry needling and soft tissue techniques for overloaded muscles
• Care delivered through our dedicated sports foot and ankle injuries treatment service

Who we see

We work with teenagers and adults participating in club, social and recreational sport, as well as people returning to structured exercise after time away.

Sports injury podiatry in Forest Hill

Our Forest Hill clinic in Brentford Square sees sports foot and ankle injuries from nearby areas including Blackburn, Mitcham and Ringwood.

Book an appointment for a sports foot or ankle injury

If sport-related foot or ankle pain is stopping you from training or playing, a structured assessment and plan can help you return safely. You can book online or contact the clinic to arrange a suitable time.