As fall sports ramp up, teens go from a low-key summer to daily practices, tryouts, and games almost overnight. That sudden spike in activity is one of the leading causes of foot and ankle overuse injuries in young athletes—and it’s exactly the kind of problem Dr. Jeffrey S. Muroff treats every back-to-school season. A little prevention now can keep your child on the field and pain-free all year.
Why Young Athletes Are Prone to Overuse Injuries
Teens aren’t just small adults. Their bones are still growing, and the growth plates near the heel and other joints are softer and more vulnerable than mature bone. When a young athlete jumps from summer downtime into a packed sports schedule, the repetitive pounding can overload these areas faster than the body can adapt—leading to inflammation, pain, and injury.
Common Back-to-School Overuse Injuries
A few foot and ankle conditions tend to flare up once the season begins. The most common is Sever’s disease, a growth-plate irritation that’s the leading cause of heel pain in active kids; AAOS’s overview of calcaneal apophysitis explains why it hits this age group so often. Others include plantar fasciitis (arch and heel pain from overstressing the tissue along the bottom of the foot), Achilles tendonitis from running and jumping, and stress fractures—tiny cracks in the bone caused by repetitive impact without enough recovery.
The Role of Biomechanics and Footwear
How a child’s foot moves—their biomechanics—plays a major role in injury risk. Flat feet, high arches, or an irregular gait place uneven stress on certain areas, making overuse injuries more likely, and worn-out or poorly fitting cleats only make it worse. Supportive, sport-appropriate footwear and, when needed, custom orthotics can correct these imbalances and dramatically lower the risk. A simple habit helps too: ramp up training gradually rather than all at once, and never push through persistent pain.
When to See a Podiatrist
Some soreness after a tough practice is normal, but certain signs mean it’s time for an evaluation. Watch for heel or arch pain that lasts more than a few days, limping or favoring one foot, pain that returns every time your child plays, or visible swelling. Diagnosing the problem early—rather than waiting it out—is the difference between a quick fix and weeks on the sidelines.
Keep Your Young Athlete on the Field
Lingering heel, arch, or ankle pain is a signal worth taking seriously—catching it early keeps a minor issue from sidelining your child for the season. At his Ronkonkoma practice, Dr. Muroff provides expert pediatric and sports foot care tailored to growing athletes. Schedule an appointment today and give your young athlete a healthy, active start to the school year.