“Many adult, adolescent and child athletes are playing with seemingly normal but persistent foot pain that could be a sign of a more serious injury,” says Dr. Scott Friedersdorf, ACFAS, Podiatrist at the Hannibal Clinic.

"Playing with pain often is viewed as a badge of honor among athletes, but they must be aware that the persistent pain they dismiss as normal exercise-related stress could be something far more serious," said Dr. Friedersdorf.Dr. Friedersdorf says athletes of all ages visit his office with foot pain due to overuse injuries from repetitive loading of the foot and ankle during running

Hannibal Clinic – Monitor Athletic Foot and Ankle Pain

 

 

 

 

 

and aerobics. "When athletes overdo their workouts, it may be normal to experience some temporary discomfort," said Dr. Friedersdorf. "But if pain continues longer than a few days with continued redness, warmth or swelling, the athlete should see a podiatric foot and ankle surgeon for proper diagnosis and advice on treatment options."

Athletes who ignore persistent foot pain and inflammation and continue to train risk potential complications that could sideline them for months. Among possible injuries associated with persistent foot and ankle pain are stress fractures, muscle strains, tendonitis and subtle fractures after inversion ankle sprains.

"Stress fractures sometimes aren’t debilitating and some athletes might continue their normal training despite the injury," said Dr. Friedersdorf. "But continual rigorous activity can worsen the problem. An examination and diagnosis by a foot specialist can determine whether the pain is from overuse or subtle trauma, requiring only a few days of rest, or something that may require surgical intervention."

Heel pain in children often is caused by injuries to the growth plate and secondary growth centers in which tendons pull at the top and bottom of the growth plate of the heel. Boys and girls ages 8 to 14 are susceptible to this problem, and its major symptom is pain on either side of the heel.

"Growth-plate trauma is common in soccer and other sports that involve a lot of running," said Dr. Friedersdorf. "Parents should make sure that their children stretch before playing and apply ice to the back of the heel after the game or practice. In some cases, anti-inflammatory drugs and shoe inserts or lifts are recommended, but the potential for recurrent injury exists until the growth plate closes," he explained.

Foot and ankle surgeons provide many forms of treatment to keep children pain free and participating in sports activities. When treating athletes of any age, they will evaluate several factors that could be the underlying cause of foot pain. They include:

Running or playing surfaces: Athletes who train on asphalt or cement are more prone to stress injuries than those who run on cushioned tracks or natural grass fields.