Sports Podiatry in Frenchs Forest

Foot and lower limb pain can make it difficult to run, train, compete or simply stay active. Sports podiatry looks at the condition itself as well as the way your feet and lower limbs move, the demands of your activity, your footwear, training patterns and previous injuries.

At Belrose Frenchs Forest Podiatry Centre, principal podiatrist Cesar Puertolas assesses sports related foot and lower limb concerns in children, recreationally active adults and athletes. With more than 40 years of clinical experience, Cesar combines individual assessment, clinical experience and current research to guide management recommendations.

Whether symptoms have appeared suddenly or have gradually returned with training, the first step is understanding what may be contributing to the problem and what management options are appropriate for you.

When should you see a sports podiatrist?

Consider a podiatry assessment when pain is persistent, recurring or affecting the way you walk, run, train or participate in sport. Assessment may also be useful when the same problem keeps returning, when changing shoes has not resolved symptoms, or when you are unsure whether foot or lower limb mechanics are contributing.

• Heel or arch pain

• Plantar fascia pain

• Achilles tendon pain

• Shin or lower leg pain

• Forefoot pain or Morton’s neuroma symptoms

• Recurring ankle, foot or lower limb problems

• Pain associated with running or increased training

• Children’s heel pain during sport

• Changes in gait or movement

• Footwear or orthotic concerns

Sports podiatry is more than treating the painful area

Sports related pain does not always have a single cause. Cesar’s assessment considers the location and pattern of symptoms together with factors that may be relevant to the individual, such as activity demands, training changes, footwear, joint movement, muscle function, gait and lower limb biomechanics.

This broader view can help determine whether podiatry management is appropriate and whether other healthcare professionals or further investigation should be involved.

What happens during a sports podiatry assessment?

Your appointment begins with a discussion about your symptoms, sport or activity, training history, previous injuries, footwear and goals. The physical assessment is then tailored to the concern and may include examination of the foot and lower limb, joint movement, muscle function, gait and biomechanics.

For running or activity related concerns, bring the shoes you regularly use for that activity as well as any existing orthotics, relevant scans or medical reports.

Common sports related conditions assessed

Heel pain and plantar fascia conditions

Heel pain can have several causes. Pain during the first steps after rest is commonly associated with plantar fascia irritation, but other conditions can produce similar symptoms. Persistent heel pain is best assessed rather than self diagnosed.

Achilles tendon pain

Achilles pain may develop after a change in training, repeated loading or for other reasons. Assessment considers the location and behaviour of the pain as well as relevant movement, strength, footwear and activity factors.

Running related foot and lower limb pain

Runners may experience recurring heel, arch, forefoot, Achilles, shin or lower limb symptoms. An assessment can consider the pattern of pain together with running demands, footwear, training changes and foot and lower limb function.

Children’s sports related heel pain

Heel pain can occur in growing children, particularly during periods of increased sporting activity. If pain persists, limits activity or causes a child to limp, assessment can help identify the likely cause and appropriate next steps.

Forefoot pain and Morton’s neuroma

Pain, burning, tingling or discomfort in the forefoot can have several possible causes. Morton’s neuroma is one condition that may affect the nerves between the metatarsal bones. An individual assessment is important because different conditions can cause similar symptoms.

Shin and lower leg pain

Shin and lower leg pain can occur with running and other sports, but the term shin splints can describe several different presentations. Persistent symptoms should be assessed to help identify the likely source of pain and whether further investigation is required.

Biomechanics, gait and footwear

Where relevant, Cesar may assess how the feet and lower limbs move during standing, walking or activity. A biomechanical or gait assessment can help identify movement patterns that may be relevant to symptoms, but not every sports injury is caused by biomechanics.

Footwear is also considered in context. The right shoe depends on the activity, the individual and the problem being assessed. Orthotics may be considered when clinically appropriate, but they are not automatically required for sports related pain.

Management options are based on the individual

Management depends on the assessment and the condition involved. Recommendations may include activity modification, footwear advice, exercises, strapping or taping, orthotic therapy where appropriate, rehabilitation strategies, referral for imaging or collaboration with another healthcare professional.

MLS Laser Therapy, a form of photobiomodulation therapy, may also be considered as an adjunct for selected musculoskeletal or sports related conditions where clinically appropriate. Suitability is determined following assessment and individual responses to treatment vary.

Experience supported by ongoing research

Cesar has more than 40 years of clinical experience and has a long standing clinical interest in sports podiatry, lower limb biomechanics, rehabilitation and photobiomodulation therapy. He has also contributed to internationally published clinical research involving sports injury management and photobiomodulation therapy.

Cesar uses an evidence informed approach that considers relevant research alongside clinical experience and each patient’s individual presentation. Published research does not mean a treatment will produce the same outcome for every person.

Working with your broader healthcare team

Sports and lower limb conditions sometimes involve more than one healthcare discipline. Where appropriate, Cesar may work alongside GPs, sports medicine practitioners, orthopaedic specialists, physiotherapists, exercise physiologists and other allied health professionals as part of a broader management plan.

Sports Podiatry FAQs

Do I need to be an athlete to see a sports podiatrist?

No. Sports podiatry can be relevant to competitive athletes, recreational runners, gym participants, active adults and children who experience foot or lower limb problems associated with activity.

Can a podiatrist help with recurring running injuries?

A podiatrist can assess recurring foot and lower limb symptoms and consider factors such as the pattern of pain, training demands, footwear, gait and biomechanics. Management depends on the findings of the individual assessment.

Can sports podiatry help with heel pain?

Yes. Podiatrists commonly assess heel pain and plantar fascia conditions. Because heel pain has several possible causes, assessment helps determine what may be contributing and which management options may be appropriate.

Do sports injuries always need orthotics?

No. Orthotics are only one possible management option. Whether they are appropriate depends on the condition, symptoms, activity and findings of the assessment.

Can MLS Laser Therapy be used for sports related conditions?

MLS Laser Therapy may be considered as an adjunct for selected musculoskeletal or sports related conditions where clinically appropriate. It is not suitable for every person or every condition, and individual responses vary.

What should I bring to a sports podiatry appointment?

Bring the footwear you use for your main sport or activity, any existing orthotics or insoles, relevant scans or reports and information about when the symptoms occur. This can help provide useful context during assessment.

Does Cesar work with other healthcare professionals?

Yes. Cesar welcomes referrals and may work with GPs, sports medicine practitioners, orthopaedic specialists, physiotherapists, exercise physiologists and other allied health professionals where appropriate.

Sports podiatry appointments in Frenchs Forest

Belrose Frenchs Forest Podiatry Centre sees patients from Frenchs Forest, Belrose, Forestville, Davidson, Killarney Heights and surrounding Northern Beaches communities. If foot or lower limb pain is affecting your sport or activity, contact the clinic to discuss whether a sports podiatry assessment may be appropriate.

Call (02) 9451 9432 or use the website contact form to get in touch.

Referring a Patient to Cesar

Cesar welcomes referrals and professional enquiries from GPs, specialists, physiotherapists, exercise physiologists, sports medicine practitioners and other allied health professionals.

Where appropriate, sports podiatry assessment and management can form part of a broader multidisciplinary approach. Relevant clinical information, imaging and details of previous management can be provided with the referral to assist with assessment.

For referral enquiries or to discuss whether sports podiatry assessment may be appropriate for a patient, contact Belrose Frenchs Forest Podiatry Centre on (02) 9451 9432.