Football, soccer, netball, basketball and athletics are wonderful for building confidence, fitness and teamwork in young people. Sport keeps kids active, connected and learning valuable life skills.
But with growing and changing bodies, young athletes can also be more vulnerable to foot and lower leg injuries.
At Sanders Podiatry Clinics in Linden Park, Mt Barker and Stirling, we regularly see young sportspeople experiencing foot pain that could often have been prevented with early care and the right support.
Understanding how sport impacts developing feet can help families keep their children enjoying the sports they love, while protecting their growing bodies.
Why young athletes are more vulnerable to injury
Children and teenagers are still growing. Their bones, muscles and tendons often develop at different speeds, which can create temporary imbalances in the body.
When this is combined with high training loads, hard playing surfaces, unsupportive footwear and rapid growth spurts, the feet and lower legs often take the strain.
Because the feet are the foundation of the body and carry much of its load, problems here can quickly affect the ankles, knees and even the hips.
Common foot injuries in young sports players
1. Overuse Injuries
Overuse injuries occur when the body experiences repeated stress without enough time to recover.
Many young athletes train several times per week and may also play multiple sports across different seasons, which places additional demands on growing bodies.
Common signs to watch for include:
- Persistent foot or heel pain
- Tenderness during or after sport
- Pain that gradually worsens over time
One of the most common issues we see is heel pain caused by growth-related stress in the heel bone.
Early treatment can help prevent these problems from developing into long-term injuries.
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2. Shin Splints
Shin splints are very common in sports that involve running and jumping, such as football, soccer and netball. They are often caused by sudden increases in training, running on hard surfaces, poor foot alignment or unsupportive footwear
Common signs to watch our for include:
- Pain along the front or inside of the shin
- Discomfort while running
- Tenderness when touching the lower leg
With the right support and training adjustments, shin splints can usually be managed effectively and prevented from recurring.
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3. Ankle Sprains
Ankle sprains are one of the most frequent injuries in sports like netball, basketball and soccer where quick direction changes are common. Repeated ankle sprains can lead to long-term instability if not treated properly.
They occur when the ankle rolls or twists, stretching or tearing the supporting ligaments. You know when you’ve sprained an ankle. The ankle swells, there is pain when walking or standing and it can turn blue fairly quickly. If an ankle sprain occurs, it’s important to rest and ice the ankle as soon as possible.
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When to see a podiatrist
Parents and coaches can play a big role in preventing injuries. Here are some practical steps that make a difference:
1. Choose the right sports shoes – Proper footwear should provide support, cushioning and stability. Shoes should also be replaced regularly as growing feet change quickly.
2. Avoid sudden training increases – Gradually increasing training intensity helps the body adapt and reduces the risk of overuse injuries.
3. Encourage rest and recovery – Rest days allow muscles and bones to recover and strengthen.
4. Pay attention to pain – Pain is not something young athletes should “push through”. Persistent foot or leg pain should be assessed early.
5. Consider a podiatry assessment – A podiatrist can assess foot alignment, walking and running patterns, and recommend exercises or orthotics if needed.
If your child complains about ongoing foot, heel, shin or ankle pain, it is worth having it assessed.
Early treatment can:
- Prevent injuries from worsening
- Improve sports performance
- Keep young athletes active and confident
Healthy feet are the foundation for every run, kick and jump on the field.
Keeping feet healthy and young athletes staying in the game
Sport should be enjoyable and rewarding for young people. With the right support, proper footwear and early care, many common sports injuries can be prevented.
If your child is experiencing foot or leg pain during sport, a professional assessment can help identify the cause and create a plan to keep them playing safely.
Phone us and make an appointment with one of our family-friendly podiatrists to discuss any concerns about your young athlete’s foot health. We’ll asses their foot alignment, their gait and provide professional and experienced advice on how they can stay in tip top shape to continue enjoying their sports.
Sander Podiatry Adelaide – 08 8379 1456 (Greenhill Podiatry)