5 Common Foot & Ankle Injuries in Youth Athletes

Different Effects, Same Goals - Healthy Kids!

Parents should encourage their children to participate in sports. Not only will they gain cardiovascular benefits, but sports also helps to develop attributes like self discipline, teamwork and an appreciation of the importance of good health habits that they will carry throughout their lifetime. In children younger than 10, we believe in multi-sport participation with a training emphasis on proper technique and coordination.

     

We advise that sport specialization be delayed until late teenage years. Research shows that children who specialize too early are more likely to experience foot and ankle injuries. In addition to proper-fitting and supporting footwear, a dynamic warm-up specific to the sport being played is recommended for all ages in order to prevent injury. 

Differing from adults, children are more susceptible to growth plate injuries rather than injuries to tendons and ligaments. These growth plates typically do not finish closing until 15-18 in boys and 13-16 in girls. Many children also suffer from torsional imbalances such as in-toe or out-toe; however, the majority them outgrow these conditions without medical treatment. Still, see a foot and ankle specialist if your child is consistently tripping during activity. It could be related to these imbalances.

Tibial torsion examples in children and youth athletes.

We've put together a list of five common foot & ankle injuries that we see in children that come through our offices, along with different treatments. As always, each case is unique, and we recommend seeing one of our experts if your child is suffering from one of these injuries.

Ankle Sprains

Ankle sprains are typically seen more often in older youth athletes. For younger athletes with the same injury, there tends to be associated growth plate injuries. Immediate treatment is critical to healing and prevention of long term ankle instability. Physical therapy to restore balance and strength is often necessary after offloading the injured ankle.

Pre- and post-operation photos of two types of ankle fractures.

Fractures

If a child is unable to put weight on the injured foot after injury, we recommend an x-ray to rule out a fracture. If the fracture itself is not severe, rest and immobilization with a cast may be enough to let it heal. More complicated injuries may require surgical correction for better long term prognosis. We often see stress fractures in children who participate in over 16 hours of sports practice and activity each week. A good rule of thumb to prevent stress fractures is to keep organized sport participation to fewer hours per week than your child's age in years. 

Heel Pain

Also referred to as calcaneal apophysitis, heel pain is likely caused by an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel from excessive usage, a tight achilles tendon, flat feet, poor fitting cleats or shoes, or blunt trauma. Commonly seen in sprinting sports, like soccer and baseball because of cleat patterns and in basketball from the repeated force when coming down after a rebound. Usual treatment includes rest, immobilization, ice, heel lifts, orthotics, stretching and physical therapy.

Shin Splints

Shin splints are a very common overuse injury. The presence of a tight achilles tendon can cause overuse and inflammation of the weaker dorsiflexion muscles in the front of the leg. In children with flat feet and a tight achilles, overuse of a muscle in the back inside of the leg can become inflamed as well. Treatment includes rest, ice, compression, physical therapy, stretching, strengthening exercises, and orthotics.

Our office is fully equipped and accepts Same Day Appointments for all Urgent/Emergent Foot and Ankle Injuries. If your child is suffering from a foot or ankle injury, save time and money from an expensive trip to Urgent Care or the Emergency Room, and please call the nearest office immediately.

Or, use our online scheduler to book your appointment. If you have a busy schedule during the week, we are open Saturdays by appointment only in our recently redone Plantation office. Click here to book your appointment and get your child back to their best!