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.

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.
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