Adolescence is a time of growth, exploration, and increased physical activity for teens. As teens get more involved in sports, physical education, and hanging out with their friends, they can become more vulnerable to certain types of injuries. Foot and ankle injuries are particularly common among teens due to their active lifestyles and the rapid changes their bodies undergo during this phase. 

In this blog, we’ll discuss three common foot and ankle injuries seen in teenagers, explore why they are more susceptible, and provide tips for parents to help their teens prevent and manage these injuries.

Sprained Ankles

Teens are highly prone to sprained ankles due to their participation in sports that involve rapid changes in direction, jumping, and running. Overused ligaments from sports, growth spurts, and imbalanced muscle development can all contribute to increased susceptibility. To prevent sprains, encourage your teen to engage in regular ankle-strengthening exercises, wear proper footwear, and practice proper warm-up routines before any physical activity.

Stress Fractures

The bones of teenagers are still growing and strengthening, which makes them more susceptible to stress fractures – tiny cracks in the bones caused by repetitive stress. Teens who engage in high-impact activities like running or jumping or repetitive motion like marching band are at greater risk. Adequate rest, proper nutrition for bone health, and gradual increases in training intensity can help prevent stress fractures. If your teen complains of persistent pain, it’s essential to seek medical attention to rule out the possibility of a stress fracture.

Sever’s Disease

Commonly seen in active children and young teens, Sever’s disease is a condition that causes heel pain due to inflammation of the growth plate in the heel bone. As bones grow faster than muscles and tendons, tension on the Achilles tendon can lead to this condition. Teens participating in sports that involve running and jumping, such as soccer and baseball are particularly susceptible. To manage Sever’s disease, make sure your teen wears appropriate footwear with good arch support, neutral position shoe, and consider consulting a healthcare professional for treatment options like rest, ice, and stretches.

A Note for Parents

Parents play a pivotal role in helping their teens prevent and manage foot and ankle injuries. Have open communication about any discomfort or pain your teen experiences during physical activity. Don’t just say “push through the pain!” Encouraging your kid to keep going despite injury can lead to even more damage down the road. 

Promote a balanced approach to exercise, emphasizing the importance of proper warm-ups, cool-downs, and rest days. Invest in high-quality, supportive footwear that fits well and is suited for the specific activities your teen engages in. Regularly check in with your teen’s coaches and trainers to make sure they’re implementing safe training practices and that your kid is following them.

Being a teen is an exciting time. We don’t want that excitement hampered by injury. The team at North Texas Foot & Ankle can help. . Our incredible professional team can assess your issues, provide an accurate diagnosis, and recommend appropriate treatment options. Give us a call at 214-574-WALK(9255). The team at North Texas Foot & Ankle is ready to help!