Kids and Fall Sports — The Most Common Foot Injuries to Watch For

Fall is by far the most popular season for youth sports participation. Research shows that nearly 60% of kids under the age of 18 play soccer, football, or another seasonal sport. It’s exciting to see your child compete, but without the proper guidance, they’re more likely to experience foot injuries.

At Mayfair Foot Care in Commack, New York, podiatrists Drs. Edward Buro, Christine Peterson, and Rosario Saccomanno regularly treat pediatric sports injuries. Keep reading to learn why kids are susceptible to foot injuries, some of the most common ones, and how you can help reduce your child’s risk. 

Why do fall sports increase the risk of foot injuries?

Playing sports naturally increases the risk of foot and ankle injuries, but they’re more common in children because the body is still growing. Specifically, the growth plates in children’s feet don’t close until the end of puberty. Because growth plates are made of cartilage, they’re weaker than bone and more susceptible to injury and overuse. 

Other factors can also contribute to fall foot injuries. For example, sports like cross country and soccer involve repetitive foot movements that can strain the feet. Wearing poorly fitting cleats or running shoes can also contribute. Shoes that don’t provide adequate support may place extra stress on growing feet. 

Most common foot injuries in young athletes

Some of the most common fall sports-related foot injuries that we treat include:

Sever’s disease

This is one of the most common causes of heel pain in children and adolescents. It occurs when the growth plate in the heel becomes inflamed due to stress or overuse and is most common in sports that involve running and jumping.

Plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is an overuse injury caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot. Pain typically occurs in the heel or arch and is often worse in the mornings after waking up. Symptoms usually improve during activity but worsen during rest.

Stress fractures

A stress fracture is a microscopic crack that forms in a foot bone due to repeated impact. These injuries are often more subtle than traditional fractures, but can be detected if you know what to look for. Telltale signs include localized pain, swelling, and discomfort during activity. Cross-country runners are especially at risk.

Ankle sprains

Sprains occur when the ligaments in the ankle are overextended, typically caused by stepping down awkwardly or twisting the ankle. Sprains vary in severity. They often cause sudden swelling, bruising, and difficulty putting weight on the affected joint.

Prevention tips for parents

The good news is that many sports-related foot injuries can be prevented. Here are a few simple things parents can do to help their children stay healthy all season long:

• Buy properly fitted, sports-specific shoes.
• Encourage your child to warm up and stretch before practices and games.
• Encourage your child to gradually increase activity instead of going full intensity immediately.
• Remind your child to speak up if they have pain or discomfort, since playing through symptoms can worsen injuries.

In addition, make sure your child takes at least one day off each week to rest and recuperate. This can be challenging in competitive sports. However, it’s necessary to prevent strain and overuse injuries.

Schedule a podiatry evaluation for your child

If your child is preparing for the fall sports season, a podiatry screening can help identify structural issues or walking patterns that may increase the risk of injury. Contact Mayfair Foot Care today to schedule an evaluation for your child. Call our office in Commack, New York, to make an appointment or book your visit online.