Sport & MSK Podiatry
Integrated injury assessment, movement analysis & load management for foot, ankle & lower-limb pain.
Our Sport & Musculoskeletal (MSK) Podiatry service provides expert biomechanical assessment & management of foot, ankle & lower-limb conditions for active individuals & athletes of all levels. We specialise in both acute and chronic injuries, recognising that pain is often driven by how load is applied & tolerated over time rather than by a single structural issue. Whether you are managing heel pain, Achilles tendon symptoms, stress-related injuries, forefoot pain or long-standing mechanical problems, our focus is on identifying the true contributors to symptoms rather than simply treating where pain is felt.
Each appointment begins with a detailed clinical consultation & comprehensive MSK assessment. We evaluate joint mobility, foot posture, muscle strength, balance & movement control across the lower limb, while also considering training history, footwear choices & recent changes in load. Where appropriate, assessments are enhanced with objective testing, including plantar pressure analysis, VALD strength testing & gait analysis, allowing us to quantify deficits, asymmetries & compensatory strategies that may not be visible during standard examination. This ensures clinical decisions are guided by measurable data rather than assumption.
Management is fully individualised & evidence-informed, integrating education, targeted rehabilitation, load-management strategies & footwear modification. Where indicated, PHITS custom foot orthoses, shockwave therapy or referral for strength & conditioning support may be incorporated as part of a wider plan. Interventions are selected to complement one another, ensuring mechanical support, strength development & load progression work together to reduce pain & restore function.
Crucially, our approach is centred on long-term outcomes, not short-term fixes. By improving movement efficiency, load tolerance & confidence in activity, we help patients return safely to sport & maintain consistency in training & everyday life. This integrated, performance-driven model ensures care extends beyond symptom relief, supporting resilience, durability & sustainable participation in sport & activity.
Sport & MSK Podiatry can hep with
Assessment, diagnosis & management of a wide range of foot, ankle and lower-limb conditions affecting active individuals, runners and athletes of all ages. Our approach goes beyond symptom relief, focusing on identifying the mechanical, strength and load-related drivers of pain that contribute to injury & recurrence.
We commonly manage conditions such as plantar heel & arch pain, Achilles tendon injuries, forefoot & toe pain, ankle instability, shin pain & running-related overuse injuries. Each condition is assessed within the context of movement, training load & footwear to ensure contributing factors are fully understood.
We also support patients with knee & hip pain influenced by foot & lower-limb mechanics, as well as paediatric gait & developmental concerns. By combining clinical expertise with objective assessment, Sport & MSK Podiatry helps restore function, reduce pain & support confident, long-term participation in sport & activity.
Detailed History
Biomechanical & Strength Testing
Biomechanical & Strength Testing
Understanding your daily & sporting demands helps us identify whether your pain is related to overload, poor recovery, reduced capacity, biomechanics, or a combination of factors.
- The history of your symptoms
- Your day-to-day activity levels & work demands
- Your sport, training load & weekly routine
- How your injury behaves (morning pain, warm-up patterns, activity triggers)
- Your footwear choices (everyday shoes, work shoes, trainers, boots)
- Any previous injuries or surgeries that may influence mechanics
Biomechanical & Strength Testing
Biomechanical & Strength Testing
Biomechanical & Strength Testing
By understanding your load capacity, we can accurately determine whether your pain is caused by weakness, stiffness, fatigue, training errors or poor mechanics. We can then build a plan around the findings. Depending on your injury we assess
- Foot posture, arch behaviour & heel alignment
- Ankle mobility & stability
- Knee tracking & hip stability
- Calf–Achilles strength
- Knee control under load
- Hip & glute strength
- Tendon capacity (important for running & walking tolerance)
Footscan® Pressure Analysis
Biomechanical & Strength Testing
Footscan® Pressure Analysis
Footscan pressure analysis provides detailed dynamic data about how you walk or run. It highlights mechanical issues that the eye can’t see, giving us a precise map of how pressure travels through your feet.
- High-pressure zones causing pain
- Medial vs lateral loading imbalances
- Overloading of metatarsals, forefoot joints or heel structures
- Excessive or delayed pronation
- Poor midfoot control
- Abnormal push-off mechanics
- Differences between limbs
- Timing faults contributing to tendon or joint overload
Management Options
Exercise Rehabilitation
Exercise rehabilitation forms the foundation of our management approach & is tailored to address the specific strength, control & load-tolerance deficits identified during assessment. Programmes are individualised to the individual, targeting key areas such as foot & ankle strength, calf & hip capacity, balance & movement control. Exercises are selected & progressed based on objective findings, ensuring rehabilitation is relevant, efficient & matched to the demands of sport & daily activity.
Rehabilitation is not just about pain reduction, but about restoring confidence in loading & movement. By progressively increasing tissue capacity & improving how force is absorbed & generated, exercise rehabilitation supports a safe return to running or sport while reducing the risk of recurrence. Progress is monitored & adjusted over time to ensure continued adaptation & long-term resilience.
Running Footwear & Custom Foot Orthoses
Running footwear & custom foot orthoses are used to optimise how load is managed during walking & running. Footwear recommendations are personalised based on biomechanics, injury history & training demands, with careful consideration of cushioning, heel-to-toe drop, stiffness & rocker geometry. The aim is to select footwear that complements natural movement patterns rather than forcing unnecessary correction.
Where indicated, PHITS custom foot orthoses are prescribed to further refine load distribution & joint control. Orthoses are designed using gait & biomechanical data & are integrated alongside footwear & rehabilitation rather than used in isolation. This combined approach helps reduce stress on vulnerable tissues, improve movement efficiency & supports a comfortable return to activity & performance.
Benefits of this service
Adults Who Are Active or Stand All Day
Adults Who Are Active or Stand All Day
Adults Who Are Active or Stand All Day
Many adults develop pain due to work demands or lifestyle factors (long standing, walking, childcare, manual work, etc.). This service helps by:
- Identifying load-related irritations such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles pain or ankle stiffness
- Improving tolerance to standing and walking
- Reducing compensatory pain in the knees or hips
- Addressing poor footwear choices or movement habits
- Creating clear strengthening & mobility programmes
Outcome: better comfort throughout the day, improved mobility & long-term tissue resilience.
Older Adults Wanting to Stay Active
Adults Who Are Active or Stand All Day
Adults Who Are Active or Stand All Day
Age-related changes can affect foot mobility, tendon stiffness & balance. This assessment helps by:
- Improving walking comfort
- Reducing forefoot or heel pressure
- Identifying arthritis-related movement challenges
- Supporting balance & ankle stability
- Advising on supportive, age-appropriate footwear
Outcome: improved confidence, mobility & independence.
Runners
Football, Field & Court Athletes
Football, Field & Court Athletes
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned marathoner, this assessment helps you:
- Understand the root cause of foot, ankle or lower leg injury
- Improve calf & hip strength to reduce running stress
- Identify imbalances that limit efficiency
- Provide advice around running footwear
- Build resilience to handle increased mileage or race training
Outcome: fewer setbacks, improved comfort & more consistent running.
Football, Field & Court Athletes
Football, Field & Court Athletes
Football, Field & Court Athletes
Sport-specific demands create unique loading patterns. This service helps athletes:
- Improve ankle stability & reduce ankle sprain risk
- Identify mechanisms contributing to foot, ankle & lower leg issues
- Improve boot selection for comfort & performance
- Build robust lower-limb strength for high-intensity play
Outcome: stronger, more stable movement with reduced injury risk across the season.
FAQs
Do I need to be an athlete?
No. We help anyone who wants to recover from injury, move without pain & perform better in daily life or sport.
Do you assess suitability for running shoes? Yes, 3D gait analysis explores shoe categories including cushioned vs stability, carbon-plated racing models, minimalist footwear, providing objective data needed to make the right choices.
How long until I recover from pain or improve performance? Pain often improves within weeks when load drivers are addressed. Performance changes depend on your starting point & adherence. We will outline milestones & re-test dates.
Can I bring previous scans or reports?
Absolutely. They help us integrate your history & focus testing where it matters.
What is your cancellation policy? We require a minimum of 24 hours' notice for cancellation or rescheduling. Missed appointments or cancellations received with less than 24 hours' notice will incur the full consultation fee.
What should I bring? For any assessment, please bring your primary sports footwear, any relevant custom orthoses & shorts/clothing that allow clear viewing of your lower limb.
