As football and basketball seasons kick off and school sports are in full swing, many children and teens are gearing up for another exciting season of athletic competition. While sports are a fantastic way for kids to stay active, develop teamwork skills, and improve their overall health, they can also put stress on young athletes’ feet, leading to a variety of sports-related injuries. At Family Podiatry of Maryland, we do our best to help young athletes during these busy sports seasons. We understand the importance of keeping their feet healthy to prevent injuries that could sideline them for weeks or even months. Here are some common foot injuries in young athletes and the best practices for prevention.
Common Sports-Related Foot Injuries
- Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries we see in athletes, especially in sports that involve jumping, pivoting, and running, such as football, basketball, and soccer. A sprain occurs when the ligaments in the ankle are stretched or torn due to a sudden twist or roll.
- Stress fractures are tiny cracks in the bone that result from repetitive stress or overuse. These injuries are common in sports that require a lot of running and jumping, such as track, soccer, and basketball. They often occur in the metatarsal bones of the foot and can lead to significant downtime if not treated properly.
- This condition involves inflammation of the thick band of tissue (plantar fascia) that runs across the bottom of the foot. While it’s more commonly seen in adult athletes, we also see it in younger athletes who have high arches or flat feet, or who do not wear proper footwear.
Turf Toe
- Turf toe occurs when the big toe is hyperextended during sports that involve quick stops and starts, like football and soccer. It’s a painful injury that can make it difficult for an athlete to run or push off the foot properly.
- Achilles tendonitis occurs when the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, becomes inflamed due to overuse. This injury is common in sports that involve running and jumping and can be intensified by improper footwear or lack of stretching.
How Can I Prevent Injuries?
Maintaining practices for injury prevention in sports-related foot injuries is key to ensuring your child stays active and healthy throughout the season. Here are some of the best ways to help reduce the risk of foot problems in young athletes:
- Wear Proper Footwear. Be sure your child is wearing sport-specific shoes that provide adequate support and cushioning. Basketball players, for example, need shoes with good ankle support, while runners should have footwear that provides ample arch support and shock absorption. Replace worn-out shoes regularly, as they can lose their protective qualities over time. It’s also a good idea to consider custom orthotics for your family’s active shoewear.
- Warm Up and Stretch. Before practice or games, encourage your child to warm up and stretch properly. Dynamic stretches, such as leg swings and high knees, help prepare the muscles and tendons for activity, while post-exercise stretching helps with recovery and flexibility.
- Encourage Rest and Recovery. Overuse injuries like stress fractures and tendonitis often occur when athletes don’t allow their bodies enough time to rest. Make sure your child is getting enough downtime between practices and games, and encourage them to speak up if they’re experiencing pain or discomfort in their feet.
- Strengthen the Feet and Ankles. Strengthening exercises can help protect the feet and ankles from injury. Encourage your child to perform exercises like toe raises, ankle circles, and resistance band work to build strength in these areas.
- Monitor Training Load. Avoid overtraining by keeping a close eye on the volume and intensity of your child’s sports activities. Cross-training with different sports or activities can also help prevent repetitive stress injuries by working different muscle groups.
- Seek Prompt Treatment for Injuries. If your child complains of foot pain, don’t wait to seek professional care. Early intervention can prevent a minor injury from turning into something more serious.
At Family Podiatry of Maryland, we’re equipped to diagnose and treat a wide range of foot and ankle injuries, helping your child get back to the game as quickly and safely as possible.
Play Safe, Stay Strong
As all the sports seasons are ramping up, it’s important to prioritize foot health to keep your young athletes on the field and court. By following these best practices for injury prevention, you can help your child stay active and pain-free throughout the season. If you have concerns about your child’s foot health, don’t hesitate to reach out to Family Podiatry of Maryland. Our team is here to provide expert care and guidance to ensure your family stays active and healthy year-round. For more information on how we can help keep your family’s feet healthy, contact us today at Family Podiatry of Maryland. Your family’s foot and ankle health are our priorities!
Contact:
Website: https://familypodiatryofmd.com/contact
Phone: (410) 833-2255