Early Signs of Foot & Ankle Problems in Kids Who Play Sports

Youth sports are an incredible way for kids to build confidence, strength, and lifelong healthy habits. But as podiatrists, we also see the other side of the story—foot and ankle injuries that start small and quietly get worse when early warning signs are missed.

Children’s feet are still growing, and sports place repeated stress on bones, joints, and growth plates. Knowing what’s normal soreness versus a developing problem can help parents protect their child’s long-term foot health.

Why Kids Are Especially Vulnerable to Foot & Ankle Injuries

Unlike adults, children’s bones are still developing. Growth plates—areas of cartilage near the ends of bones—are weaker than ligaments and tendons. This makes young athletes more prone to certain injuries, especially during growth spurts or when sports activity increases suddenly.

Add in poorly fitting cleats, year-round training, and limited recovery time, and it’s easy to see why foot and ankle issues are so common in kids who play sports.

Common Foot & Ankle Problems in Young Athletes

Some of the most frequent conditions we see include:

• Heel pain related to growth plates

• Overuse injuries from running and jumping

• Ankle sprains and instability

• Flat feet or collapsing arches

• Stress injuries from repetitive impact

These problems often start subtly and may not cause obvious swelling or bruising at first.

Early Warning Signs Parents Should Watch For

Children don’t always explain pain clearly, and many will push through discomfort to avoid missing practice or games. Watch closely for these red flags:

Limping or Favoring One Foot

Any limp—especially one that lasts more than a day or two—is not normal and should be evaluated.

Pain After Activity, Not Just During

Pain that shows up after practice, later in the day, or the next morning may indicate overuse or stress injury.

Heel or Arch Pain

Heel pain in kids is common during growth spurts and should never be dismissed as “just growing pains.”

Swelling or Tenderness

Even mild swelling or localized tenderness can signal inflammation or injury beneath the surface.

Avoiding Sports or Complaining of Fatigue

If a child who loves sports suddenly wants to sit out or complains of “tired feet,” it may be pain they don’t know how to describe.

Why “Growing Pains” Can Be Misleading

The term “growing pains” is often used casually, but persistent foot or ankle pain is not something kids should just grow out of. Many conditions respond best to early treatment, and delaying care can lead to prolonged recovery or recurring injuries.

The Role of Footwear and Training Load

Shoes play a major role in pediatric foot health. Cleats or sneakers that are too tight, lack support, or are worn out can worsen alignment issues and increase injury risk.

Additionally, playing the same sport year-round without rest increases repetitive stress on the same structures. Cross-training and rest periods are essential for developing feet.

When to See a Podiatrist

Parents should consider a podiatry evaluation if:

• Pain lasts more than a few days

• Limping continues after rest

• Pain keeps returning with activity

• Swelling or tenderness is present

• Performance drops due to discomfort

Early evaluation often means simpler treatment and faster recovery.

How We Help Young Athletes at Restore Foot and Ankle Specialists

Our approach focuses on identifying the cause—not just the symptoms. Treatment may include:

• Gait and biomechanical evaluation

• Activity modification guidance

• Supportive footwear recommendations

• Custom orthotics if needed

• Injury prevention education

Our goal is to help kids stay active safely, without long-term consequences.

Supporting a Lifetime of Healthy Movement

Sports should build kids up—not break them down. Paying attention to early foot and ankle warning signs can make all the difference in keeping young athletes healthy, confident, and pain-free.

At Restore Foot and Ankle Specialists, we’re proud to partner with families to support growing feet and active lifestyles—every step of the way. Contact our office today with Dr. Gireesh Reddy or Dr. Sirisha Pokala by calling (469) 573-3427 or by booking an appointment online.