Ankle sprains are common in winter sport.

​Winter Sports Podiatry at Star Physio WA

Winter in Australia brings a shift in sporting culture — from summer cricket and athletics to AFL, netball, soccer and rugby.

These sports involve high impact, rapid changes of direction and increased physical demand, placing significant stress on the feet and lower limbs.

Often overlooked, podiatry plays a key role in keeping athletes moving — from grassroots participants through to elite performance.

At Star Physio Mosman Park, podiatry is led by Sam Steel, who works with athletes across a wide range of winter sports with Saturday appointments available

Why Sports Podiatry Matters in Winter Sport

Podiatrists specialise in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of conditions affecting the feet, ankles and lower limbs.

Whether it’s:

• A young footballer managing growth-related pain
• A netballer recovering from an ankle sprain
• A runner dealing with persistent shin pain

Sports podiatry plays a key role in both performance and injury prevention.

Unique Demands of Winter Sports

Our podiatrists can advise you on the best shoes for your sport.

Team sports present a unique set of challenges.

Wet grounds, close contact and rapid directional changes all place additional stress on the body.

Footwear such as:

• Studded boots
• Court shoes

can improve traction but also change how forces are distributed through the lower limb, sometimes contributing to injury.

How a Sports Podiatrist Can Help

For athletes competing in winter sports, podiatry can assist with:

• Biomechanical assessment
• Injury diagnosis and management
• Rehabilitation planning and return-to-play guidance
• Sport-specific footwear advice
• Orthotic therapy (when appropriate)
• Management of skin and nail conditions (blisters, ingrown toenails)

Common Winter Sports Injuries We Treat

Ankle Sprains

A common injury in field and court sports, often occurring with rapid changes of direction or awkward landings.

Ankle sprains account for up to 40% of injuries in netball.

Even minor sprains can lead to long-term instability if not properly rehabilitated.

A podiatrist helps with:

• Accurate diagnosis
• Strength and stability programs
• Taping strategies
• Proprioceptive (balance) training

Plantar Fasciitis

Heel pain caused by irritation of the plantar fascia, often linked to load changes or biomechanics.

Common when returning to sport after a break.

Treatment includes:

• Load management
• Strengthening and stretching programs
• Footwear advice
• Orthotic support (if required)

Achilles Tendinopathy

Common in running-based sports.

Symptoms include:

• Pain
• Stiffness
• Thickening of the tendon

Management focuses on:

• Progressive strengthening
• Load management
• Biomechanical correction

Stress Reactions and Fractures

Repetitive impact on hard surfaces can lead to bone stress injuries.

A podiatrist assists with:

• Early identification
• Offloading strategies
• Footwear recommendations
• Structured return-to-play planning

Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome)

Pain along the inside of the shin, often linked to rapid increases in training.

We assess:

• Running technique
• Load progression
• Strength deficits

👉 Learn more about our running analysis service

Turf Toe

Common in football and soccer.

Involves sprain or irritation of the big toe joint.

Management includes:

• Joint stabilisation
• Footwear modification
• Rehabilitation planning

Patellofemoral Pain (Knee Pain)

Pain at the front of the knee, common in netball, AFL and soccer.

Foot mechanics can play a significant role.

Treatment includes:

• Biomechanical assessment
• Strength and movement correction

Growth Plate Conditions in Younger Athletes

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is common in growing athletes.

A common cause of heel pain in children aged 8–14.

Often linked to growth spurts and increased activity.

Signs include:

• Heel pain during or after sport
• Limping
• Tenderness at the back of the heel

Management includes:

• Activity modification
• Heel lifts
• Supportive footwear
• Structured rehab guidance

Osgood-Schlatter Disease

Pain at the tibial tubercle (below the kneecap).

Common in growing athletes.

A podiatrist helps by:

• Reducing load on the area
• Addressing biomechanics
• Providing orthotic advice if needed

Injury Prevention Tips for Winter Sport

Dr Sam Steel (podiatrist) at Star Physio

Many injuries are preventable with the right approach.

Manage Training Load

Avoid sudden increases in training intensity or volume.

Gradual progression allows the body to adapt.

Choose the Right Footwear

Key considerations:

• Leave a thumb-width space at the front
• Replace worn-out shoes regularly
• Avoid stud pressure under painful areas (especially the big toe joint)

Warm Up and Cool Down Properly

Dynamic warm-ups improve:

• Muscle flexibility
• Joint mobility
• Neuromuscular activation

Stretching is best performed after activity to assist recovery.

Pay Attention to Early Warning Signs

Persistent pain, stiffness or swelling should not be ignored.

Early management prevents progression to more serious injuries.

Why Athletes Choose Star Physio WA

Across many of these conditions, common contributing factors include:

• Biomechanics
• Strength deficits
• Sudden increases in load

At Star Physio WA, we focus on:

• Identifying early warning signs
• Addressing underlying causes (not just symptoms)
• Keeping athletes performing at their best

Winter Sports Podiatry FAQ

Book a Sports Podiatry Appointment

If you have a niggling injury heading into the winter season — or want to prevent one — early assessment is key.

We offer sports podiatry appointments at:

• West Perth
• Mosman Park (Saturday appointments available)