The Foot Hub
Highly-qualified & experience sports podiatrist
What is a sports podiatrist?
A sports podiatrist is a healthcare professional who specialises in diagnosing, managing and preventing foot and lower limb injuries specifically related to physical activity.
Sports podiatrists work with athletes of all levels to improve performance, manage pain and reduce risk of injury by addressing biomechanical issues, providing footwear advice and providing rehabilitation strategies.
What qualifications do you need to become a sports podiatrist?
Sports podiatrists are highly qualified professionals. They typically hold a bachelor’s degree in podiatry and often pursue additional training in sports medicine or biomechanics. Their expertise extends beyond general podiatry, as they have a deep understanding of sports-specific movements, and the unique demands placed on an athlete’s feet and lower limbs.
Why see a sports podiatrist?
Seeing a sports podiatrist can be beneficial for a variety of reasons.
In particular, they are skilled in injury management and assisting with injury prevention. Conditions such as plantar fasciopathy, Achilles tendinopathy, stress fractures and lateral ankle sprains are common amongst athletes and those who engage in regular sport or physical activity.
Sports podiatrists can conduct comprehensive assessments of gait, posture, sporting movement patterns and muscle imbalances all of which can contribute to poor performance or injury. They can then develop strategies and provide footwear advice and modifications, to improve performance and help prevent injury.
Meet Dr Ash Hey, our sports podiatrist
At The Foot Hub, we’re proud to have Dr Ash Hey, our experienced sports podiatrist working in our Sydney clinic. Ash brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique background to his practice.
Ash holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) from The University of Salford and a Postgraduate Diploma in Sport and Exercise Medicine from the Carnegie School of Sport at Leeds Beckett University (qualified in 2021).
He also has a wealth of experience having worked with professional athletes from Leeds Rhinos Netball club, Leeds Rhinos Rugby Club, Leeds United Football Club, Manchester United Women Football Club and Sale Sharks Rugby Club.
Why did Ash become a sports podiatrist?
h’s interest in sporting movement patterns and biomechanics started long before he was a qualified Podiatrist. During his previous career as a ski boot fitter, ski instructor and climbing coach, his knowledge of each sport’s movement patterns was crucial. This led him to have an interest in biomechanics which eventually led him to podiatry.
His experience in action sports like rock climbing, mountaineering, and skiing gives him a unique perspective on athletic performance and injury prevention.
Why Ash loves sports podiatry
Ash enjoys being able to support athletes in a different capacity from coaching. He enjoys the aspects of assessing a person’s biomechanics and working with them to achieve their goals, whether it be performance related or rehabilitation as a result of injury.
His goal is to provide this same level of professional care to sports enthusiasts and budding athletes, helping his patients nurture their hobbies and interests through a combination of exercise and orthotic therapy. Ash’s problem-solving skills and enthusiasm for movement make him an invaluable asset to any athlete’s support team.
How Ash came to practice sports podiatry in Australia
After having spent a year here on a working holiday visa, Ash was keen to come back and enjoy the lifestyle on offer in Australia. So when a position opened up at The Foot Hub, he didn’t need to think twice.
Ash felt that Australia’s rich sporting history, large athletic population and enthusiasm for movement meant there were greater opportunities to be involved in people’s wellbeing.
Ash’s advice for athletes
“Listen to your body,” Ash advises. “Most athletes are very in tune with their bodies. If you notice any discomfort or changes in movement, don’t ignore it. Early intervention can prevent a minor issue from becoming a long-term problem.”
Why choose The Foot Hub for sports podiatry?
Whether you’re a professional athlete or a weekend warrior, The Foot Hub is here to support your athletic journey. With our expertise in sports podiatry and our patient-centred approach, we can help you stay on your feet and perform at your best.
At The Foot Hub, we understand that feet are the foundation of movement in sports. We work closely with athletes of all levels to help them achieve their goals, whether they’re performance-related or focused on rehabilitation after an injury.