As students head back to school and fall sports get underway, young athletes face a sudden increase in physical activity that can also bring foot and ankle pain. Common foot and ankle injuries in youth and high school athletes include ankle sprains, heel pain, Achilles tendon problems, and stress fractures.
Addressing symptoms early can help prevent a minor issue from becoming an injury that keeps an athlete sidelined longer. At Coastal Foot & Ankle Wellness Center, we provide foot and ankle sports medicine care for young athletes in St. Augustine, Palatka, and surrounding communities in Northeast Florida.
What Causes Foot and Ankle Injuries in Young Athletes?
Young athletes place repeated stress on their feet and ankles through sprinting, jumping, cutting, and changing direction. Children and teenagers are also still growing, which means growth plates and developing bones can be more vulnerable to certain injuries.
The start of a school sports season can be especially demanding. An athlete may go from a lighter summer schedule to daily practices, conditioning sessions, and weekend games. New cleats, hard playing surfaces, and participation on multiple teams can add even more stress.
Pain that repeatedly returns with activity should not automatically be dismissed as soreness or “growing pains.”
1. Ankle Sprains
Ankle sprains are among the most common sports injuries. They typically occur when the foot rolls or twists unexpectedly, stretching or tearing one or more of the ligaments that stabilize the ankle. Sports involving quick changes of direction, jumping, or contact, including soccer, football, basketball, and volleyball, can increase risk.
Signs of an Ankle Sprain
Symptoms may include:
- Pain and tenderness
- Swelling or bruising
- Difficulty bearing weight
- A feeling that the ankle is weak or unstable
- Limited range of motion
Not every ankle injury is a simple sprain. In growing athletes, fractures and growth plate injuries can sometimes cause similar symptoms. Significant pain, inability to walk normally, or tenderness directly over a bone should be evaluated by a podiatrist.
2. Heel Pain and Sever’s Disease
Heel pain in children and teenagers is not always the same as heel pain in adults. One common cause in active, growing children is calcaneal apophysitis, commonly called Sever’s disease. It develops when repetitive stress irritates the growth area at the back of the heel. Running, jumping, and sports played in cleats can aggravate symptoms, particularly during periods of rapid growth.
What Does Sever’s Disease Feel Like?
Young athletes may experience pain at the back or bottom of the heel during or after activity. They may begin limping, avoiding pressure on the painful heel, or complaining that practices hurt more than usual. A foot and ankle evaluation can help determine the cause of the pain and the appropriate treatment.
3. Achilles Tendon Pain
The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel and is essential for running, jumping, and pushing off the ground. While major Achilles injuries are more common in adults, young athletes can still develop Achilles irritation and overuse problems.
Symptoms may include pain or tenderness along the back of the heel or lower leg, tightness when beginning activity, or soreness that worsens after practice. Continuing to train through worsening Achilles pain may place additional stress on the tendon.
4. Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle
Stress fractures are small areas of bone injury caused by repetitive loading rather than one major accident. They can develop in athletes who participate in running and jumping sports, including cross-country, track, basketball, soccer, gymnastics, and dance.
One common trigger is doing too much, too quickly. Increasing running mileage, starting intense conditioning, or participating in multiple practices without adequate recovery can overload the bones.
Signs of a Possible Stress Fracture
Stress fracture pain often develops gradually. Initially, the athlete may notice discomfort only during activity. Over time, the pain can become more localized and may continue after practice or while walking.
Unlike general muscle soreness, stress fracture pain is often concentrated in one specific area. Swelling or tenderness over the affected bone may also occur. Because continuing to participate can worsen a stress injury, persistent or localized pain should be evaluated before the athlete returns to full activity.
When Should a Young Athlete See a Foot and Ankle Specialist?
Parents should consider scheduling an evaluation when pain persists, keeps returning, or changes the way an athlete walks or runs. Prompt evaluation is especially important when there is significant swelling, bruising, difficulty bearing weight, pain directly over a bone, or symptoms that are getting worse instead of better. Early diagnosis can help identify the specific injury and guide a safe return to activity.
Helping Young Athletes Stay in the Game
If your child or teen is experiencing foot or ankle pain, contact Coastal Foot & Ankle Wellness Center to schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified foot and ankle surgeons. Our team provides comprehensive sports medicine care for young athletes in St. Augustine and Palatka.
