Foot Pain in Young Athletes: What Parents Need to Know
As fall sports ramp up—football, soccer, cross country, and more—so do the foot and ankle injuries. Kids and teens are tough, but they’re not immune to overuse, strain, or sudden injuries that can put them on the sidelines. At Ferro Foot & Ankle, we want to help parents support their young athletes through both prevention and recovery.
Common Fall Sports Injuries
Young athletes put their feet under constant stress. The most common conditions we see include:
Ankle sprains from twists or missteps on uneven fields
Sever’s disease (heel pain due to growth plate inflammation)
Stress fractures from repetitive impact
Plantar fasciitis or arch pain from poor footwear
Turf toe or toe sprains from sudden starts and stops
Some of these injuries come from accidents, but many stem from poor shoe choices, lack of stretching, or playing through pain.
What to Watch For
Kids don’t always speak up about pain. Keep an eye out for:
Limping or avoiding certain movements
Complaints about foot or heel pain, especially after practice
Swelling, redness, or bruising
Changes in athletic performance or energy levels
If something doesn’t seem right, a proper diagnosis can prevent a minor injury from becoming chronic.
Support Starts with the Right Footwear
Ensure your child has sport-specific shoes with adequate cushioning and arch support. Avoid handing down used shoes, as the wear pattern may not match your child’s gait and could increase risk of injury.
Custom orthotics can also help correct imbalances or provide extra support for high-impact sports. We offer pediatric fittings tailored for growing feet and active lifestyles.
Recovery and Long-Term Health
Rest is part of recovery. Encourage your child to take breaks, apply ice when needed, and never push through pain. We create recovery plans that might include:
Bracing or taping
Stretching and strengthening exercises
Gradual return-to-play schedules
Our goal isn’t just to get your child back in the game—but to keep them healthy long after the season ends.
Final Thoughts
Foot pain is not a normal part of sports. And when it shows up, it deserves attention. If your child is active and showing signs of discomfort, we’re here to help.
We’ll work together to keep your child moving, pain-free and confident on the field.