Watching your child participate in sports and physical activities is an exciting and proud moment. However, with all the excitement comes the risk of injury, especially in the foot and ankle. As a parent, it can be difficult to see your child in pain and unable to play the sport they love. Kids foot care Fort Worth is vital for children’s health and well-being.
By being aware of these common foot injuries and taking steps to prevent and treat them, you can help your child stay healthy and active on the field or court. If you are concerned about your child’s foot health, the first step is to schedule an evaluation with a healthcare provider or podiatrist. During the evaluation, the healthcare provider will examine your child’s feet and ask about any symptoms they may be experiencing.
Some of the things the healthcare provider may look for during the evaluation include the following:
- Abnormalities in foot shape or structure
- Signs of infection or inflammation, such as redness or swelling
- Limited range of motion in the foot or ankle
- Pain or tenderness in certain areas of the foot
Communicating concerns about your child’s foot health to your healthcare provider is advisable, as early intervention can often prevent more serious problems.
Here are some of the common foot injuries in sports-playing children:
Plantar fasciitis
Young athletes in running or jumping sports frequently suffer from plantar fasciitis. Regularly stretch your calves and feet to help prevent plantar fasciitis. Rest and ice might help relieve symptoms if your child has pain or discomfort in their heel or arch. A podiatrist could advise physical therapy or specialized orthotics in more severe circumstances.
Stress fractures
Stress fractures are small cracks in a bone, often caused by repetitive stress on the bone. Young athletes who participate in sports that involve a lot of running or jumping, such as basketball or track and field, are at a higher risk for stress fractures in their feet and legs.
If your child complains of pain that increases with activity and decreases with rest, or experiences swelling or tenderness in their foot or leg, it’s advisable to seek medical attention. Rest and immobilization of the affected area are typically recommended, along with a gradual return to activity.
Ankle sprains
An ankle sprain is one of the most frequent injuries among kids who participate in sports. Sprains happen when the ligaments holding the ankle bones together are stretched or ripped, frequently due to an abrupt ankle twist or roll.
To prevent ankle sprains, ensure your child wears proper-fitting shoes with good ankle support and participates in a proper warm-up routine. If your child does experience an ankle sprain, rest, ice, compression, and elevation can help reduce pain and swelling. In more severe cases, a brace or physical therapy may be necessary.
Achilles tendonitis
Overuse, improper footwear, or sudden changes in activity can cause inflammation and pain in the Achilles tendon, known as Achilles tendonitis. To help prevent Achilles tendonitis, your child must wear the right shoes with good arch support and participate in warm-up and cool-down routines.
If you are a parent to a sports-playing child, speak to your specialist at Trinity Foot & Ankle Specialists to learn about common injuries.