Foot & Ankle Injuries in Youth Sports: What Every Parent Should Know

By Dr. Sarang Desai, DO – Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Surgeon | Sports Medicine | Allen/McKinney, TX

Youth sports are an incredible part of growing up — they build confidence, friendships, and lifelong habits. But as a foot and ankle specialist, I see firsthand how common injuries can sideline even the most active kids.

Whether your child plays soccer, basketball, track, or club volleyball, it’s important to know the warning signs of foot and ankle injuries — and when it’s time to get them evaluated.

Here are the most common foot and ankle injuries I treat in young athletes in North Texas, and what you as a parent should watch out for.

1.

Ankle Sprains

These are the #1 sports injury in kids. A sprain happens when the ligaments on the outside of the ankle are stretched or torn — often from landing wrong or rolling the ankle during play.

🔎 What to look for:

• Swelling and bruising

• Pain with walking or running

• History of “weak ankles” or repeated injuries

✅ What to do:

Most mild sprains can be treated at home with rest and a brace, but repeated sprains may lead to chronic instability. That’s where targeted rehab — or in some cases, surgical repair — can make all the difference.

2.

Heel Pain (Sever’s Disease)

This is a very common cause of heel pain in kids aged 8–13, especially during growth spurts. It’s caused by irritation at the growth plate in the back of the heel — not from trauma, but from overuse.

🔎 What to look for:

• Limping after practice

• Pain with running, jumping, or cleats

• Complaints that get better with rest

✅ What to do:

This condition is treatable without surgery. I often recommend rest, stretching, and heel inserts. If it doesn’t improve in 2–3 weeks, come see me for a proper evaluation.

3.

Stress Fractures

When bones are overused without enough time to recover — especially in distance runners, dancers, or kids playing year-round sports — stress fractures can develop.

🔎 What to look for:

• Pain in the foot or shin that worsens with activity

• No single injury or fall

• Tenderness in one specific spot

✅ What to do:

These often don’t show up on X-rays right away. If your child has pain that lingers beyond a week or two, we may order advanced imaging and put them in a boot or limit activity to avoid more serious injury.

4.

Midfoot Injuries (Lisfranc Sprains)

These are less common — but easy to miss. A Lisfranc injury affects the middle of the foot and can happen with cleated sports or a hard fall.

🔎 What to look for:

• Pain and bruising on the top or bottom of the foot

• Trouble putting weight on the foot

• Pain with pushing off or twisting

✅ What to do:

If we catch this early, we can often treat it without surgery. If ignored, it can lead to long-term instability and arthritis.

5.

Osteochondral Injuries (Cartilage Damage in the Ankle)

After a bad ankle sprain or repeated trauma, sometimes the cartilage in the ankle joint gets damaged — this can cause lingering pain, clicking, or swelling in active teens.

🔎 What to look for:

• Pain deep inside the ankle

• Swelling after sports

• Feeling like the ankle catches or locks

✅ What to do:

I use advanced imaging to identify these injuries. Treatment might involve physical therapy or, in some cases, minimally invasive surgery to restore the cartilage.

When Should You See a Specialist?

➡️ Pain that lasts more than a few days

➡️ Limping during or after activity

➡️ Swelling, bruising, or inability to bear weight

➡️ Recurring injuries that don’t fully heal

At my clinic in McKinney, I specialize in getting young athletes back in the game — safely and confidently. From advanced imaging to surgical and non-surgical care, we personalize each treatment plan to fit your child’s sport, age, and goals.

👟 Pro Tip for Parents:

Encourage cross-training and take rest days seriously. Year-round single-sport play is the #1 risk factor I see in overuse injuries.

If your child is dealing with foot or ankle pain, don’t wait.

We offer fast appointments, expert care, and a sports-first approach to recovery.

📍 Allen|McKinney, TX | 🦶 Sports Foot & Ankle Specialist

🔗 www.theachillesdoc.com

📞 972-727-9995