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Children’s Injuries of the Foot and Ankle

Sports medicine experts with the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons warn that young athletes could see their sports dreams evaporate if they don’t seek prompt treatment and allow full rehabilitation of foot and ankle injuries. Athletic children who "play through the pain," ignore injuries, cut rehab short or skip it altogether could face repeated injuries and instability in their feet and ankles that can follow them into their teens and adulthood. Long-term problems can include osteoarthritis and chronic ankle instability, which untreated can lead to activity limitations, arthritis and tendon problems.

With more children playing high-level competitive sports such as gymnastics, tennis, soccer, volleyball, track and field, basketball, football, etc., surgeons are treating serious foot and ankle injuries in increasingly younger patients.

When the level of competition intensifies, so does the stress on the feet and ankles, ultimately resulting in injuries. This is primarily due to that fact that the child’s foot is still developing, while excessive demands are placed on those developing ligaments and bones. 

Some common injuries include high-level sprains, bruises to anklebones, sesamoid fractures, neuromas and heel injuries. Many injured children can avoid surgery by immobilizing the foot for a period of time followed with aggressive physical therapy.

Coaches and parents should seek prompt medical care for children who injure their feet and ankles playing sports and other activities. The child may not verbalize pain, but a decrease in their activity and inability to keep up with their peers may be observed.

For more information, contact Dr. Joel Brook, DPM or Dr. David Northcutt, DPM at (972) 566-7474 or visit www.FootPhysicians.com for more information on foot and ankle conditions involving children.