Keep Your Feet and Ankles Safe During Fall Sports Season

Back to school, back to sports. For millions of kids across America, this is a universal truth, and many of them are currently in the swing of their early seasons of soccer, football, or track. We at PodiatryCare, PC, and the Heel Pain Center want to help keep that momentum going by keeping your child on the field. Let’s address any foot issues from summer while also looking at key tips for foot safety this fall season.

Don't Jump from Zero to Sixty

One of the biggest mistakes young athletes make is jumping back into high-intensity training without proper conditioning. A summer of less structured activity means their muscles and tendons aren't prepared for the repetitive stress of sports like soccer, football, or cross-country. This can lead to classic overuse injuries.

For example, the sudden increase in running and jumping can cause Achilles tendonitis and shin splints. Similarly, the bones in their feet can be susceptible to tiny, hairline cracks called stress fractures if they're not given time to adapt to the new demands.

Don't Ignore Summer's Lingering Symptoms

Did your child complain about a mild ankle tweak, a persistent arch ache, or a blister that just never quite healed over the summer? Don't let those minor issues get worse when they hit the field.

Any lingering foot or ankle pain, even if it seems small, should be addressed before sports season ramps up. Now is not too late to get checked by a podiatrist, especially if it’s continuing to bother them.

Shoe Fit and Size

Your child's footwear is their most important piece of athletic equipment. Those cleats from last season might be too small now, which could spell trouble.

A shoe that is too tight can cause painful blisters, ingrown toenails, and even change how they run. Even if they still fit, a year-old pair of sneakers may have lost its cushioning and stability.

That’s why you should always invest in new, sport-specific shoes that are properly fitted and provide the right support for their activity. A quick measurement at the store can save a lot of pain later.

Tapes, Braces, and Orthotics

Speaking of equipment, sometimes, extra support is necessary. If your child has a history of ankle sprains or if their podiatrist has identified a biomechanical issue like flat feet, investing in gear other than new cleats could prove useful:

• Ankle Braces or Taping: These provide stability for ankles prone to rolling, especially for soccer and football.

• Custom Orthotics: Prescribed by us podiatrists, these inserts can correct foot alignment, provide better arch support, and redistribute pressure.

At PodiatryCare, PC, and the Heel Pain Center, we treat a wide variety of foot and ankle ailments. Dr. Matthew Tschudy, Dr. Rebecca Wiesner, Dr. Kristen Winters, Dr. Laura Vander Poel, and the rest of our team are ready to serve our Hartford County patients. To schedule an appointment at our Enfield location, call (860) 741-3041; for an appointment at our South Windsor location, call (860) 644-6525.