If your child plays or takes part in sports like soccer, running, or tennis, they’re not just building coordination and fitness; they’re also at risk of foot and ankle injuries. Fortunately, paediatric podiatrists can assist children with a range of common foot and ankle complaints.
Children’s and young adolescents’ feet and limbs are more prone to injury compared to adults due to their bones’ development and growth. Leaving these injuries untreated can cause chronic instability, pain, and long-term joint issues, severely impacting their performance.
From growing pains to inversion ankle sprains, we can help keep your child moving freely with foot and ankle pain management.
Why Do Children Suffer From Sports Injuries?
A child’s still-growing body, paired with a lack of skill and coordination, can increase their risk of sports injury. Overuse injuries are also common in children who partake in repetitive training movements and do not have enough rest and recovery time.
Sports where we commonly see pediatric foot and ankle pain include:
- Running
- Soccer
- AFL
- Tennis
- NRL
- Gymnastics
- Basketball
Common Injuries & Complaints Seen In Kids’ Sports Podiatry
Athletic children can face a range of injuries, including:
- Tibialis Posterior Tendonitis. This tendon supports the arch of the foot and can cause pain from high-impact activities like jumping.
- Achilles Tendonitis. Caused by overusing the Achilles tendon, this injury is common in children who take part in sports that involve lots of running and jumping.
- Sever’s Disease (Calcaneal Apophysitis). This growing pain occurs in the heel bone in children aged between 8 and 14. It is commonly exacerbated by muscle tightness in the calves during growth spurts.
One of the most common injuries we see in growing children is ankle sprains, especially inversion sprains, where the ankle rolls outward. Without proper management, these injuries can lead to:
- Chronic ankle instability
- Recurrent sprains
- Long-term joint damage or early-onset arthritis
- Impaired performance or withdrawal from sports
How Can A Podiatrist Help My Athletic Child?
Podiatrists are lower limb experts trained to assess, treat, and prevent injuries in growing bodies. We’re here to keep kids moving safely, confidently, and pain-free.
Biomechanical Assessments
We assess posture, gait, foot structure, flexibility, and joint movement to detect issues before they lead to injury. Identifying abnormal movement patterns early can prevent overload and injury.
Sports Shoe Advice
The wrong shoes on a hard court surface can cause real problems. We guide you on the best sports shoes for your child’s foot type, sport, and growth stage.
Injury Prevention Programs (Prehab)
Strength, balance, and mobility exercises tailored for young athletes help reduce the risk of sprains, overuse injuries, and growing pains like Sever’s or shin splints. We prescribe age-appropriate exercises to build and improve ankle strength and balance.
Early Diagnosis & Management
Has your child already complained of pain, or are they displaying limping? We provide fast, accurate diagnoses and conservative treatment plans to avoid long-term complications and get them safely back to play.
Keep Them On The Go With Children’s Podiatry
Whether your child is starting with a new sports team or training hard for their next tournament, our team is passionate about keeping them moving without pain.
At Southwest Foot and Ankle Centre, we are here to help with a range of children’s foot and ankle problems. To book an appointment, contact us by completing our contact form or calling us at 08 9791 1319.
