We all want the best for our children, and part of doing that is by keeping an eye on their health to see if something doesn’t seem quite right. Keeping an eye on the health of your child is important, especially so for parents of athletes who are constantly putting stress and strain on their body during periods of rapid growth. To help with this, we wanted to spotlight some symptoms and potential issues you should watch for in your young athlete that may suggest they are dealing with a new or chronic issue in their feet or ankles.
Signs Of A Foot Problem In Young Athletes
Keep an eye out for any of these warning signs that suggest your athlete may be dealing with a new or ongoing problem in their feet or ankles.
Limping – If you notice that your child is walking with a limp, talk with them about their discomfort and keep an eye on it. Perhaps they simply rolled their ankle, but limping doesn’t always go away after a day or two. If they are limping or struggling to put weight on their feet, perhaps it’s time to take them to see a doctor.
Swelling/Redness/Discoloration – If the visible appearance of their foot looks off, it may be a sign of a problem lurking below the surface. If their foot or ankle is swollen, red or otherwise discolored, pursue some simple conservative techniques or head in for a checkup.
Gait Changes – If your child seems to be walking differently, even if you wouldn’t classify it as a limp, it may be an issue that warrants professional intervention. If they seem to be avoiding putting stress on their heel or are walking gingerly on their feet, talk with them about their discomfort.
Pain With Activity – If you notice that your child seems to be physically uncomfortable after a bit of athletic activity, talk with them after the game has ended. They could be dealing with an overstress injury that worsens with activity, like Achilles tendonitis or shin splints. These injuries are quite manageable, but only with proactive treatment and a smart approach to continued activity.
Kids may not know the best way to overcome a foot or ankle injury, and while you may not know it either, you can at least be a second set of eyes in terms of catching a problem and connecting them with a physician who can determine what they are dealing with and setting them up with the right course of care.
If your child is dealing with any of these symptoms, or they have suffered an acute injury during athletics and need help overcoming the problem, connect with Dr. Silverman. Get in touch with his office by filling out this form.