Sport is fantastic for physical and mental health — but it also places repetitive load and high stress through the feet and lower limbs. At Leading Edge Podiatry, many of the injuries we treat develop from running, football, netball, basketball, tennis, and gym-based training.

Early diagnosis is critical. Many conditions that begin as mild discomfort can progress into chronic or recurrent injuries if not managed properly. Below are the five most common sporting injuries we see in clinic.

1. Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles tendonitis is irritation and overload of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone.

Common Sports

Running sports, football, basketball, netball, and athletes who suddenly increase training intensity.

Typical Symptoms

• Pain and stiffness at the back of the heel
• Worse in the morning or after rest
• Thickened or tender tendon
• Pain during push-off while running

Why It Happens

Training errors, tight calf muscles, poor footwear, and biomechanical overload are common contributing factors.

How Leading Edge Podiatry Can Help

• Thorough biomechanical assessment
• Load management advice
• Targeted strengthening programs
• Heel lifts or orthotics where indicated
• Shockwave therapy when appropriate

2. Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation or degeneration of the plantar fascia — the thick band of tissue under the foot.

Common Sports

Runners, court sports, long-distance walkers, and those standing for extended periods.

Typical Symptoms

• Sharp heel pain first thing in the morning
• Pain after prolonged sitting
• Tenderness under the heel
• Pain easing with movement but worsening after activity

Why It Happens

Overload, tight calves, poor footwear support, and sudden increases in activity.

How We Treat It

• Accurate diagnosis (to rule out nerve or stress fracture causes)
• Footwear recommendations
• Custom orthotics where required
• Stretching and strengthening programs
• Taping and shockwave therapy

3. Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome)

Medial tibial stress syndrome (commonly called shin splints) is an overload injury affecting the inner border of the shin bone.

Common Sports

Runners, AFL players, netballers, military training, and athletes returning after a break.

Typical Symptoms

• Diffuse pain along the inside of the shin
• Pain during or after running
• Symptoms that gradually worsen

Important: This condition must be differentiated from tibial stress fractures, which require stricter management.

Management Includes

• Activity modification
• Biomechanical analysis
• Footwear review
• Orthotic therapy when indicated
• Graduated return-to-running programs

4. Toenail Trauma (Onycholysis)

Onycholysis is separation of the nail plate from the nail bed, commonly due to repetitive trauma in sport.

Common Sports

Football, long-distance running, hiking, and sports with sudden stops and starts.

Typical Symptoms

• Blackened or bruised toenail
• Nail lifting from the bed
• Thickened or damaged nail
• Pain within tight footwear

Why It Happens

• Poorly fitting shoes
• Repetitive toe impact
• Downhill running
• Long toenails during sport

How We Manage It

• Nail care and debridement
• Footwear advice and sizing assessment
• Padding or offloading techniques
• Monitoring for fungal secondary infection

5. Ankle Inversion Sprains

An inversion ankle sprain occurs when the foot rolls inward, damaging the lateral ankle ligaments.

Common Sports

Netball, basketball, tennis, AFL, soccer — particularly in jumping and pivoting sports.

Typical Symptoms

• Sudden lateral ankle pain
• Swelling and bruising
• Difficulty weight-bearing
• Instability feeling

Why Proper Treatment Matters

Poorly rehabilitated ankle sprains are one of the leading causes of chronic ankle instability and recurrent injuries.

Our Management Approach Includes

• Accurate grading of ligament injury
• Assessment for associated fractures
• Strapping or bracing
• Progressive strength and balance retraining
• Return-to-sport planning

Why Early Podiatry Assessment Matters

Many sporting injuries share overlapping symptoms. Heel pain may not always be plantar fasciitis. Shin pain may not simply be “shin splints.” Ankle sprains can hide fractures.

At Leading Edge Podiatry Blackwood, we focus on:

• Accurate diagnosis
• Evidence-based treatment
• Identifying underlying biomechanical causes
• Preventing recurrence — not just treating symptoms

If you are experiencing foot, heel, shin, or ankle pain during sport, early assessment can significantly shorten recovery time and reduce the risk of long-term complications.

Book an Appointment

If sport is part of your lifestyle, your feet deserve professional care.

Contact Leading Edge Podiatry or book online today to stay active, pain-free, and performing at your best.