Preventing Sports Injuries From the Ground Up

It All Starts with Your Feet

Whether you're training for a marathon, chasing a ball on the pitch, or just enjoying a weekend hike—your feet are doing a lot more than you think. They’re not just along for the ride. They’re the foundation of every step, jump, and sprint.

At Achilles Foot Clinic in Ballincollig, we see countless athletes sidelined by injuries that could have been prevented—if only they knew where to start. And more often than not, the key to prevention is right under your feet.

Why the Foot Matters in Injury Prevention

Think of your body like a chain. If the first link (your feet) is weak or misaligned, it affects everything above it—your ankles, knees, hips, and even your back.

Poor foot function or alignment can lead to:

• Overuse injuries (like shin splints and plantar fasciitis)

• Sprained ankles

• Knee pain

• Achilles tendon issues

• Hip and lower back strain

When you address the foundation, you reduce the risk of these common problems—and boost performance at the same time.

Common Sports Injuries We See (and How Feet Play a Role)

Here are a few frequent injuries we treat—and how foot mechanics are often involved:

1. Plantar Fasciitis – Often caused by tight calf muscles or poor foot support

2. Achilles Tendinopathy – Linked to flat feet or overpronation

3. Shin Splints – Frequently due to improper footwear or uneven foot strike

4. Runner’s Knee – Caused by poor alignment from the feet upward

5. Stress Fractures – Can stem from faulty biomechanics and overloading

Prevention: What Actually Works

Here’s how we help athletes and active individuals stay injury-free:

1. Gait & Biomechanical Assessment

We analyse how you walk and run, identifying movement patterns that could lead to injury.

2. Custom Orthotics

Tailored insoles provide the support and alignment your feet need—especially during high-impact activities.

3. Foot & Ankle Strengthening

Targeted exercises improve stability and power where it counts.

4. Footwear Advice

Wearing the right shoe for your sport, foot type, and training surface is a game changer.

5. Early Intervention

Noticing a small ache? Don’t wait until it becomes a full-blown injury. We help you catch issues early.

Pro Tip: Prehab is Better Than Rehab

Waiting until something hurts is like putting up an umbrella after you're already soaked.

Preventing injuries isn’t just smart—it’s more effective (and a lot less painful) than dealing with them after the fact. That’s why we love working with athletes before problems begin.

Play Smarter. Train Safer. Move Better.

At Achilles Foot Clinic, we specialise in helping runners, athletes, and active people stay on their feet—literally.

Whether you're just starting out or training at an elite level, we’re here to support your movement from the ground up.

📍 Visit Achilles Foot Clinic – Ballincollig, Cork
Book your sports assessment or gait analysis today. Your future injury-free self will thank you.