Category: Sports Podiatry

  • Keep your Feet in the Game this Football Season

    Keep your Feet in the Game this Football Season

    Common Football Foot Injuries and How Sports Podiatry May Help

    There’s a reason it’s called foot-ball! Whether we’re talking NRL, AFL, Rugby, Touch Football, Futsal, or Soccer – footy season involves a lot of time on our feet.

    While it can be a lot of fun, sudden changes in direction while sprinting, as well as the contact aspect of some football codes (eg tackles, collisions and scrums) are just some of the reasons that playing football can lead to lower limb injuries.

    soccer players getting feet entangled

    Lower limb injuries account for almost 55% of all injuries in the professional NRL according to a report published in 2020 – making your feet and lower legs the highest injury location risk!

    The good news is, podiatry has a role to play in the prevention (1) of some of the most common sports injuries – it may just help keep you on your feet and in the game.

    The Most Common Foot Injuries in Football

    From NRL to soccer, to Australian Rules football injuries and more – in our Redlands podiatry clinic, at this time of year we tend to see a rise in:

    • Hamstring and other muscle strains
    • Sprained ankles
    • Turf toe
    • Haematomas (a collection of blood pooling outside the vein) of the leg
    • Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) ruptures (a strong band of tissue that help connect your thigh bone to your shinbone)
    • Stress fractures
    • Achilles tendon problems
    • And shin injuries

    Already in 2025, professional AFL players Lincoln McCarthy (Brisbane Lions) and Dom Sheed (West Coast Eagles), as well as NRL player Hayze Perham (Brisbane Broncos) have been sidelined by ACL injuries. Meanwhile Dean Ieremia (Melbourne Storm) has ruptured his Achilles, and Latrell Mitchell (South Sydney Rabbitohs) has a hamstring injury. All this, and the season has barely begun!

    Sports Podiatry for Treatment and Prevention of Injuries

    Through advanced biomechanics, including the use of a digital gait scan, our podiatrist Trevor Lane can identify any potential issues with the way you are walking. Whether you’ve sustained an injury, or are looking at preventative techniques, we can pinpoint any weaknesses or dysfunctions and prescribe appropriate management and treatment strategies. These may include natural, non-invasive techniques such as  Foot Mobilisation Therapy, prolotherapy, custom orthotics, rehabilitation and strengthening exercises, or footwear advice – all designed to enhance performance and reduce the risk of future injuries.

    Tips for Looking After Your Feet this Footy Season

    Our head podiatrist Trevor is a former indoor soccer and touch footy player with a special interest in sports podiatry. He knows first-hand the types of injuries football can bring, and offers the following tips for other footy players:

    • Warm-up and cool down: Always start with a proper warm-up and finish with a cool-down to improve flexibility and reduce muscle tension.
    • Wear the right footwear: Choose shoes that offer proper support and cushioning for your sport and foot type.
    • Stay hydrated: Dehydration can contribute to cramping and muscle strain, so keep water on hand.
    • Strengthen your muscles: Incorporate exercises to improve lower limb strength and stability, focusing on key areas like calves, hamstrings, and quads.
    • Listen to your body: If you feel pain or discomfort, don’t push through it – early intervention is key to preventing bigger injuries down the track.
    • See a podiatrist: If you’re experiencing pain, or would like to identify any mechanical risk factors (like flat feet or hypermobility) early – make an appointment with your local podiatrist.

    Don’t let foot injuries sideline you this footy season. If you’re feeling any discomfort or want to proactively prevent injuries, book your appointment with Trevor Lane Podiatry today.

    References:

    1. https://bmjopensem.bmj.com/content/10/4/e002101

  • Support for Sports Players

    Support for Sports Players

    Whether you’re an individual who loves social sport, a professional athlete, or somewhere in between – taking your game to the next level means securing a great team around you.

    And we’re not talking fellow team players (though they’re important too!) but rather your healthcare team, to support you on the sidelines and help you achieve your best performance possible!

    footballers may benefit from sports podiatry care

    Further, they’re there to assist you with getting back on your feet more quickly should a dreaded injury occur.

    So, who are we talking about here? Let’s jump right in…

    Sports Podiatry

    Your feet are quite literally your foundation as an athlete, so it’s crucial to keep them in tip top condition – and a podiatrist with a special interest in sports is the person to help you do just that.

    Podiatrists diagnose, treat and manage problems with the feet and lower limbs, and may even help treat postural or neurological issues (1) associated with leg problems.

    Sports podiatry is a great addition to your training regimen, to help you prevent these injuries from happening in the first place (2): through gait analysis to diagnose any issues with your biomechanics, appropriate footwear and orthotic support, if required, as well as specific exercises to build strength.

    Common Sports Injuries

    Some of the injuries that commonly arise from high-impact activities such as netball, football, marathon running or hiking (and which sports podiatry can assist with), include:

    Our head podiatrist Trevor Lane has a special interest in sports podiatry, and additional training in techniques like Foot Mobilisation Therapy and Prolotherapy for foot pain to help get you back to your game as soon as possible!

    In addition to a podiatrist, your local support team could also include:

    Your Personal Trainer: A personal trainer is more than just a workout guide; they’re a crucial part of an athlete’s journey towards excellence. A great PT will design you a customised training program that focuses on strength, flexibility, agility, and injury prevention.

    They will be able to identify your weak points and develop targeted exercises for you to address them. With the right guidance, not only will you be pushing your physical limits but also developing the muscle groups required for your specific sport.

    Your Nutritionist: A balanced and tailored diet is fundamental for fuelling any athlete’s performance. Having a sports nutritionist in your corner means you’ll be assigned meal plans that provide just the right mix of nutrients for optimum performance.

    They’ll factor in your specific needs, taking into account your sport, training, regimen, and individual physiology. A well-nourished body is much better equipped to handle the demands of rigorous training, promoting faster recovery and sustained energy levels!

    Your Sports Psychologist: Sports can be as much a mental battle as a physical one. That’s where a sports psychologist can assist, with helping you gain the mental strength to perform under pressure, stay focused, and recover from setbacks.

    Techniques like visualisation, mindfulness, and goal setting are powerful tools for an athlete striving for peak performance. Additionally, a sports psychologist is able to assist with managing stress and anxiety, common challenges faced by athletes of all levels.

    To truly excel in your chosen sport, it pays to have a dedicated team of professionals behind you. Remember, true greatness isn’t achieved alone, but through the collective efforts of a dedicated team.

    If you’re based in or near the Redlands, and looking to boost your support team with sports podiatry – we invite you to call us on (07) 3207 4736 or book an appointment online.

    References:

    1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18357582/
    2. https://link.springer.com/article/10.2165/00007256-198502020-00006
    3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23980032/
    4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25729088/
    5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8702280/
    6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10356621/
  • A Podiatrist can be a Runner’s Best Friend!

    A Podiatrist can be a Runner’s Best Friend!

    Running places extra stresses on the body, and a podiatrist for runners can be a great ally to have in the prevention, management and treatment of foot pain and injuries.

    There are many reasons that people start running:

    • To improve their health and fitness
    • To lose weight
    • To challenge themselves
    • To increase their energy levels
    • To keep active
    • To boost their mood
    • To feel better about themselves
    • To exercise in the great outdoors
    • To take part in park runs, races or marathons.

    Some people discover that running puts them in a different headspace – a form of mindful meditation if you like.

    see a podiatrist for runners before taking part in a marathon!

    Running suits people who are seeking a solitary, low-cost form of exercise where they are in control of how far and fast they run.

    Whatever the reason for taking up running, it results in considerable forces being placed on the feet, legs, muscles, and hips*.

    Understanding the biomechanics of running helps to explain the demands placed on these parts of the body.

    The Gait Cycle

    The Gait Cycle begins when one foot touches the ground and ends when that same foot contacts the ground again.

    There are two parts of the Gait Cycle:

    • The stance phase is where one leg and foot are bearing the bodyweight;
    • And the swing phase is where both feet are off the ground.

    Every person has their own gait pattern which affects their biomechanical characteristics. The type of running shoe you wear will also affect your gait pattern.

    While runners are at a higher risk of injury, having realistic expectations can reduce your risk.  If you are new to running, set yourself small, achievable goals such as running 500 metres slowly at first, and then build up over time to increase your speed and distance.

    Why See a Podiatrist for Runners?

    The most common issues any podiatrist working with runners will see include:

    1. Achilles tendonitis, where there is pain and stiffness along the Achilles tendon and back of the heel that worsens with exercise.
    2. Plantar fasciitis, or pain in the bottom of the heel that is most pronounced when you stand up after resting. 
    3. Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (Shin Splints), inflammation of the muscles, tendons and tissue around your tibia. Pain occurs along the inner border of the tibia.

    Sports podiatry focuses not just on the treatment and management of injury, but also on the prevention of injuries so this is just another reason a podiatrist may be a runner’s best friend!

    As a new runner, it’s a good idea to consult your local podiatrist for a comprehensive biomechanical assessment of your gait pattern first. 

    With special interests in sports podiatry, and as a trained FMT Therapist, Trevor Lane is the ideal podiatrist for runners.  Bookings can be made by calling 3207 4736 or try our secure online booking system.

    * While most people can run successfully, there are some health conditions such as osteoarthritis, bunions, knee problems or an eating disorder which indicate that running is not the best form of exercise for you.

  • Sports Podiatry

    Sports Podiatry

    Sports podiatry focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, management and prevention of injuries to the feet and lower limbs, sustained during sports and other physical activities.

    When you consider that a quarter of the bones in our entire body are located in our feet you can easily understand why they might be more susceptible to injury.

    Add to this the fact that sport and other high impact activities can subject our feet to loads and forces of up to 10 to 15 times our body weightit’s easy to see how serious damage can occur – from a sprained ankle, to black bruised toenails, hamstring strains, and painful foot fractures.

    As a keen enthusiast of activities such as surfing, hiking, skiing, bike riding, touch football and indoor soccer myself, I have developed a particular interest in the field of sport podiatry.

    Common Sports Injuries

    At our clinic in the bayside suburbs of Brisbane, we see a lot of clients suffering from sports injuries. Here are five of the most common:

    1. Sesamoiditis

    How can something as small as your toes, cause so much pain?!

    The sesamoids are two small bones beneath the joint of your big toe, within the tendons; sesamoiditis is the name given when there is an inflammation in these bones.

    High intensity physical activities like jumping, lunges, or activities with a heavy push off or loading – like what you’d do at boot camp style training – can all lead to a flare up of sesamoiditis.

    If you are experiencing a painful big toe following this sort of strenuous activity, it is important to visit a podiatry clinic for diagnosis and treatment. Serious long term damage can result if the bones have fractured, or blood flow has been disrupted.

    2. Stress Fractures

    Sports and exercise can also cause stress fractures – tiny hair like fractures in the bones – usually in the five long metatarsal bones of the foot. While you can’t see if the bone is fractured, you may notice symptoms like swelling on the top of your foot, and pain when walking.

    Stress fractures are associated with repetitive activity, or a sudden increase in training level and intensity. Other factors may include ageing footwear, an unforgiving training surface (eg concrete, tar, grass, artificial turf). People suffering from reduced bone density – osteoporosis – are at a much greater risk of foot fractures.

    The good news is, stress fractures usually heal on their own, following periods of rest and reduced activity. However it is still wise to consult with a podiatrist with a special interest in and understanding of sports podiatry.

    3. Turf Toe

    This painful injury occurs when the forefoot catches on the ground (usually grass or artificial turf) while you are in a forward motion, causing the toe to bend upwards, outside of the normal range of movement. Ouch!

    It’s commonly seen in football players. Your podiatrist may recommend wearing footwear with a stiffened toe box, toe strapping, and/or reduced activity, for a period of time.

    4. Plantar Fasciitis

    Foot pain which improves over the course of the day, is generally caused by plantar fasciitis. Patients often report that the first couple of steps out of bed in the morning are the most painful.

    Although plantar fasciitis is common in runners, dancers and people who jump, it also affects people with reduced flexibility (eg those born with a reduced calf length).

    While high heels are not the usual footwear associated with the field of sports podiatry, we sometimes see this condition in women with a high heel habit. It often develops in flight attendants for example, after years of wearing heels at work. This is because over time the calf muscles shorten to adapt to the heel height – and the calf becomes so tight that it is no longer possible to wear flat or low heels. This places additional strain on the arch of the foot, resulting in plantar fasciitis.

    Your local podiatrist can prescribe treatment such as ice, heat packs, exercises, and specific footwear.

    5. Black Bruised Big Toenail

    If you have been shocked to find a black bruised big toenail when taking off your shoes after a day of hiking or a game of netball, this is a sign that either:

    • The shoe doesn’t fit properly, and your toes are repeatedly knocking on the toe box.
    • Or, your feet are moving forward in the shoe. Generally patients with this problem have a narrow foot, and a lacing technique called a heel lock helps to pull the foot back into the rear two thirds of the shoe.

    Often seen in runners, hikers, snow skiers and tennis players, a black bruised toenail is caused by a bleed under the nail (called a hematoma). It can be quite painful, so it’s a good idea to visit a podiatry clinic, where they can relieve the pressure under the nail.

    Eventually the damaged nail will come away, but it may take as long as 6 to 12 months to fully recover.

    Sports Podiatry Brisbane

    If you live in the Redlands or in the south-east of Brisbane, make an appointment at our Birkdale clinic on 3207 4736 for any concerns relating to sports podiatry. 

    Using digital gait analysis we can pick up any potential problems with your biomechanics, advise on the most supportive footwear, as well as recommend strengthening exercises and other preventative strategies.

    And if you do have the misfortune to sustain a sporting injury – whether you are a professional athlete, enthusiastic amateur or just enjoy kicking a footy around the backyard – we can assist you with techniques like Foot Mobilisation Therapy to get you back to what you love to do!

  • What to Look for in Running Shoes

    What to Look for in Running Shoes

    While our social and sporting activities are temporarily off the agenda due to the coronavirus pandemic, there’s never been a better time for solitary pursuits like running and walking in the great outdoors.

    Keeping active will also help your physical and mental health during these trying times.

    Make sure your shoes are up to the job, otherwise running and walking may actually have a negative impact on your entire body – not just your feet!

    Common questions include: Do I need professional shoe fitting? How often should I replace my running shoes? And which brands are the best?

    Do I Need New Running Shoes?

    Before you lace up your old faithful running shoes, consider if they are actually up to the task.

    The Upper: Is the stitching coming apart? Are there any holes, or are your toes sticking out? Does the shape of the shoe look normal, or does it lean to one side (whether in or out)?

    The Outer Sole: This is the treadlike layer on the bottom of the shoe, primarily used for grip and durability. Again, check for holes and signs of uneven wear.

    The Mid Sole: The most important area of your running shoe however, is the part you can’t really see – the mid sole, which is usually made of EVA foam. Brands tend to use different names for this important layer: ASICS call it gel; Nike call it air; Brooks call it hydroflow – but essentially they all do the same thing.

    The primary function of the mid sole is to absorb the shock of the foot as it strikes the ground; it is also designed to control the inward roll of the foot (or pronation as your local podiatrist is likely to call it). Pronation has been linked to conditions such as shin splints, kneecap problems, hip and lower back pain.

    Unfortunately, the mid sole foam breaks down over time – as you clock up mileage, it becomes thinner and stiffer, losing its ability to control shock and the mechanics of your foot.

    On the outside of your running shoe, the mid sole may be a different colour or pattern. If you notice any creasing, it may be time for a replacement.

    Another way to test the condition of your mid sole, is how your shoes feel when you wear them. If you are running on the road or on gravel, and can feel that surface under your feet, the mid sole is tiring or has collapsed.

    As a general rule, your local podiatrist will recommend that if you exercise regularly, you should look at replacing your running shoes on an annual basis.

    What to Look for in Running Shoes

    Tried and Tested: As with many things in life, tried and tested is best. If you have a brand that you are comfortable in, that you have been walking and running in without problems, then stick to it. Don’t change your running shoe because somebody in a shoe store or a certain brand is promoting something different.

    Find an Assistant Familiar with your Sport: When you walk into a shoe store, try to find an assistant with relative knowledge. If you’re a runner, try to find a sales assistant who also likes to run. If you are a tennis or netball player – do they play tennis or netball?

    Professional Shoe Fitting: Of course you won’t always be able to find help from somebody experienced in the same sport. However, you should make sure that your assistant measures the length and width of your feet with a Brannock, to get a truly professional shoe fitting.

    Try Different Brands: Different brands cater for different foot dimensions, so again don’t get caught up in trends or marketing hype. Try on two or three pairs of shoes that offer the same features, and see which ones you think feel best, and most comfortable, under your feet.

    If you are having problems with finding the right running shoe, your local podiatrist can help by looking into your specific needs and issues.

    In the Redlands, Trevor Lane Podiatry is your local podiatrist, offering professional shoe fitting and footwear. Call us today on 3207 4736 for personal assistance with what to look for in running shoes.

  • Blisters or Bliss: Choosing the Best Hiking Boots

    Blisters or Bliss: Choosing the Best Hiking Boots

    The winter months are prime time for mountain trekking and adventure – whether you prefer the rainforests of the Gold Coast Hinterland, or the snowfields of New South Wales, Victoria or New Zealand.

    As a trekking enthusiast from way back, as well as a local podiatrist, I know firsthand the difference that a good pair of hiking boots can make: blisters, or bliss!

    The Best Hiking Boots

    The best hiking boots for you, may be completely different to what your mate wears.

    And there are so many different types to choose from – trail boots and mountaineering boots; high cut, low cut, mid cut; leather or synthetic.

    So here are a few tips to help you determine the best hiking boots for your needs.

    How Will You Be Using Your Hiking Boots?

    If you prefer shorter walks on well-constructed paths, a low cut hiking shoe should meet your needs.

    Heading out for an all day hike with a lightly loaded backpack? Then a mid-to-high cut day hiking boot should provide you with the perfect combination of support and flexibility.

    If a 2 week trek through rugged terrain is more your speed, look for backpacking boots with stiffer midsoles, and a high cut, as they offer superior support and protection. These will also serve you well if you are hiking in snowy and icy conditions, as crampons work best with rigid soled boots. However they do take a while to break in – something that is best achieved gradually, before you set off on your next trip!

    The 3 Main Components of Hiking Boots

    1 – The sole: While it’s certainly not the only component to consider, start by examining the sole of the boot. The lug pattern will determine your traction and grip – the greater the spacing, the better the traction and mud dispersion. Also, look for a heel brake on the outside back corner of the boot. Good boots will have a heel zone separate to the rest of the boot, to provide grip particularly during steep descents.

    2 – Midsole: The midsole, like the middle child, is often overlooked. The midsole provides cushioning and support; if you are hiking longer distances and over more difficult terrain, a firmer midsole made of polyurethane will give your ankle and foot more support, and less fatigue. For less strenuous hikes, a midsole made of EVA will be comfortable.

    3 – The Uppers:  Again, your choice of upper material will depend on how you will be using your hiking boots. In rain and snow you will truly appreciate waterproof membranes like Gore-tex; leather may be the best option for challenging terrain; while synthetic might be a more affordable option for the casual hiker.

    Getting the Best Fit

    If you are investing in a pair of good hiking boots, here are some tips to help you get the best fit possible:

    • A good boot should fit your foot snugly, without being tight. Make sure the boot is wide enough in the toe box area, that you can still wiggle all your toes.
    • It’s best to time your boot fitting for afternoon or evening, as our feet tend to swell over the course of the day.
    • If you wear orthotics, make sure you bring them to the fitting, as well as the socks you are planning to wear when hiking. From a podiatrist’s point of view, the style and fabric of Injinji toe socks not only optimises your foot’s biomechanics, it also creates a more comfortable – and less sweaty – environment within your boots when hiking.
    • Take your time – Walk in the boot around the store, and on different angles and gradients (if at all possible) to test how your foot is sitting in the shoe. Check if the seams, stitching, or any other areas are rubbing on your foot, and that there is sufficient width.
    • When it comes to length, your toes should not touch the end of the toe box: your longest toe should be a thumb width from the end of the toe box.
    • Your boot lacing technique can help or hinder the fit. If you have narrow heels for example, the heel lock technique will stop your toes sliding forward in the shoe when descending, preventing you from bruising and damaging your toe nails.

    Breaking in your Hiking Boots

    Finally, make sure you break in your boots before heading off the beaten track. Hiking shoes with their lower cut and softer midsole may be comfortable from the very first wear, but the more rugged models usually take time to soften and conform to your feet. Just remember that the breaking in process does not convert a poor fit into a good fit.

    Looking for Hiking Boots?

    At Trevor Lane Podiatry, our footwear range includes a European brand called Ecco, with styles including hiking shoes and back country leather high boots. I have worn a high cut Ecco hiking boot in Gore-tex, the Expedition, on hikes in the Snowy Mountains, Europe, and the Overland Track in Tasmania, and highly recommend them.

    If you live in the Redlands, Trevor Lane Podiatry is your local podiatrist clinic. We’d love to assist you with choosing the best hiking boots for your needs, boot lacing techniques, and preparing for your next hike or overland adventure – so call us today on 3207 4736 or make an appointment 24/7 via our secure online booking system.

  • Netball Injuries Season is Here!

    Netball Injuries Season is Here!

    March heralds the start of netball season – and also when we notice a sudden influx of clients suffering from netball injuries, at our family podiatry centre.

    Netball is the most popular women’s sport in Australia, with around a dozen clubs based in the Redlands and bayside areas – at Alexandra Hills, Capalaba, Lota, Thornlands, Thorneside, Victoria Point and Wellington Point to name just a few.

    Netball Series

    However, there are still a lot of netball players out there, unaware of just how much a podiatrist can help – particularly if they struggle with frequent injuries.

    You might be surprised that there are so many netball injuries when it is a non-contact sport – the high rate of injuries is due to other factors, such as the hard playing surface, the fast pace, and sudden changes in movement and direction.

    3 Most Common Injuries in Netball

    Sprained Ankle

    By far the most common of all netball injuries is the ankle sprain, due to the large amount of jumping, landing and pivoting actions. These actions involve numerous structures of the foot – when you have an ankle sprain, the ligaments, muscles and tendons can all be damaged and compromised.

    The best way to go about healing a sprained ankle is the RICE technique – Rest, Ice, Compress and Elevate your foot for the first two or three days.

    If there is serious purple, blue or black bruising – an x-ray is generally the next step, to allow for correct diagnosis and treatment. But if in doubt, or if you are finding that things just aren’t the same after a netball injury, talk to a podiatrist.

    Jumper’s Knee 

    This involves the ligament which runs just underneath your knee cap, the patella tendon, and is one of the most common injuries in netball due to the high prevalence of jumping and bounding.

    Should your knee/s become sore it’s important to listen to your body; pain is your body’s way of letting you know that there is an injury. Again, the recommended treatment is to cut back on the activity and  ice the region down. We are the only bayside podiatrist clinic using the foot mobilisation technique to help your foot, leg, knee and thigh to work in harmony, so that you are not only back on your feet, but playing netball again soon.

    And, we can also set you up with the correct footwear to prevent further problems.

    Achille’s Tendon Injury

    Any athlete or professional sports person will tell you that damaging the  Achilles tendon is their most dreaded injury. That’s because it is the largest tendon in your body, and helps propel your body forward. It delivers all the energy stored in your calf, transferring it down your leg through the tendon and into the midfoot.

    The location of the pain, the swelling, and the stiffness will determine what treatment regime a podiatrist will prescribe. Once upon a time it was thought that all Achilles tendon pain could be treated by stretching the calf, hanging your foot off a step, however that does not suffice anymore. Treatment now is prescribed specifically based on the location of the suspected injury in the tendon.

    Preparing for Netball Season

    There are a few things you can do to minimise your risk of sustaining any netball injuries this season.

    Footwear – The most important part of your netball uniform is your shoes. Make sure your playing shoes:

    • provide the correct level of arch support;
    • have plenty of cushioning to protect your foot from the impact of hard court surfaces;
    • and that the sole suits the playing surface – outdoor and indoor courts require different materials and grip of the outdoor sole. For indoor netball, look for something like the Dunlop Volley with its fishbone pattern; whereas for outdoor courts, look for sports shoes where the spacing between the grip on the sole is slightly wider apart, to give you more traction.

    Check the age and integrity of your netball shoes – the traction layer, the midsole cushioning layer, the upper. For more tips, including when to invest in new shoes, check out my previous article on what to look for in sports or running shoes.

    Correct fitting is particularly important in a dynamic sport like netball. You don’t want to have too much movement of your foot within the shoe, but at the same time you don’t want a shoe that is too tight as it can cause compression on the nerves.

    If you are in need of new sports shoes, we recommend you visit a reputable shoe fitting specialist – or your local podiatrist – somebody with the training and the equipment for a proper fit.

    Player Fitness – Netball is an extremely fast paced game, with plenty of repetitive movements such as catching, throwing, and jumping, all of which increases a player’s chances of chronic leg and arm fatigue.

    As fatigue increases – if your biomechanics is poor – if your footwear is aged – the consequence is that your body is not as well protected as it could be. This then increases your chances of fatigue; and the moment you start increasing fatigue, your chances of suffering netball injuries are going up exponentially.

    So increase your level of fitness with a mixed program involving cardio vascular fitness, muscular strength, flexibility and balance, as these are vital if you want to see out the season without falling victim to netball injuries.

    Netball injuries are not 100% preventable, but if these little things can be addressed, it does play a huge part in a player’s longevity and enjoyment of the sport.

    Our podiatry clinic offers professional fitting of sports shoes, and treatment for netball injuries involving the feet and lower limbs – call us today on 3207 4736 for personal assistance.