Protect Young Athletes from Fall Sports Injuries

With fall sports well underway, we at Goldsmith Podiatry are seeing more sports injuries in our young Manhattan athletes. Overuse injuries such as shin splints, Sever’s disease, Achilles tendonitis, and ankle sprains can result from poor conditioning before the season begins or caused by too rigorous practice and play schedule. Below are some tips to help athletes participating in football, soccer, cross country, and other fall sports prevent injuries to their lower extremities.

• Get the proper footwear—athletic footwear has become very specialized, and even younger athletes should wear shoes designed specifically for the sport they are playing. Baseball cleats shouldn’t be used for football, for example. Runners’ shoes are likely to have more cushioning in the heel and insole. Don’t try to save money by using hand-me-down sports shoes. Shoes will conform to the foot of the person wearing them and may cause harm to another wearer. As with any footwear, in-person shopping for athletic shoes should be strongly considered to ensure a proper fitting. Both shoes should be tried on, and the athlete should simulate the types of movements their sport requires to ensure a good fit.

• Check old injuries—if your child has suffered an ankle sprain, stress fracture, or other podiatric injuries in the past, it’s a good idea to make an appointment at our Upper West Side office by calling: 212-877-1002 so that our podiatrist, Dr. Howard Goldsmith, Dr. Rosanna Troia, and Dr. Kristina Ruff can examine the site of the injury and order any necessary imaging studies to be sure it is fully healed. The podiatrist will also be able to make recommendations regarding footwear and conditioning to protect the area from re-injury.

• Monitor field conditions—whether your youth athlete is playing on a school or community team, it’s fair (and important) for a parent to inquire about what measures are in place for field maintenance. Divots, holes, and debris on the field are common causes of ankle twisting and other injuries. If you notice field issues, be sure to bring them to the attention of those in charge.

• Practice safe sports—many children and teen sports injuries are due to athletes not getting enough rest periods during and between sports seasons. Guard against other unhealthy practices such as “no pain, no gain” and “play through the pain.” If your child is experiencing foot pain or discomfort, contact us to get it evaluated promptly.