"Young athletes may experience foot and ankle injuries due to overuse, which are caused by repetitive stress and strenuous activities such as running, jumping, and other high-impact sports," says Daniel T. Halloran, DPM, FACFAS, Podiatry at ARC Cedar Park Building B and ARC Medical Park Tower Orthopedics. "Early detection can help to prevent these injuries from worsening into more serious conditions like chronic pain or acute injuries."
Common overuse foot and ankle injuries
Several overuse injuries can impact the bones, muscles, ligaments, and fascia of the foot and ankle. The most frequent injuries and conditions include:
- Plantar fasciitis: Inflammation of the fascia along the plant of the foot, causing sharp pain in the heel, particularly after periods of rest, like in the morning.
- Stress fractures: Small bone fractures due to repetitive impacts on the foot or lower leg. These are common in athletes whose sports involve intense walking, running, or high-impact workouts.
- Achilles tendinopathy: Overuse of the Achilles tendon leads to inflammation and pain along the back of the ankle, especially during or after strenuous activity.
- Heel spurs: These bony projections develop on the underside of the heel due to stress and strain, often linked with plantar fasciitis.
- Retrocalcaneal bursitis: This is inflammation of the bursa located at the back of the heel near the Achilles tendon, often caused by tight footwear or excessive repetitive movements.
- Metatarsalgia: Pain at the ball of the foot due to increased pressure on the bones of the forefoot, particularly in sports that involve frequent running and jumping.
- Bone stress injuries (BSI): These are broader categories of injuries that include bone fractures and stress reactions, resulting from repeated impact or strenuous activity on the lower leg or foot.
Early warning signs of overuse injuries
Signs to watch for include:
- Persistent soreness or aching: Athletes may feel discomfort in the foot, ankle, or lower leg that doesn't go away even with rest. This could signal underlying damage to the ligaments, joints, or bones.
- Swelling: Unexplained swelling in the foot or ankle, especially after sports or workouts, is a key indicator of an overuse injury.
- Stiffness and difficulty moving: Tightness in the Achilles, ankle, or plant of the foot in the morning or after periods of inactivity is another early sign of inflammation.
- Changes in gait: A young athlete may adjust how they walk or run to avoid pain, a common sign of conditions like Achilles tendinopathy or stress fractures.
- Weakness and instability: A decline in performance, like struggling to push off during sports or feeling weakness in the foot or lower leg, suggests something is wrong.
Potential issues with untreated overuse injuries
Ignoring these warning signs might lead to serious long-term problems. If left untreated, overuse injuries can result in:
- Chronic pain: Conditions like plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinopathy can cause long-lasting discomfort, limiting participation in activities and impacting everyday life.
- Loss of mobility: Inflammation and pain can lead to reduced range of motion in the joints and ligaments, affecting not only sports performance but also daily movement.
- Acute injuries: What starts as a mild overuse injury can evolve into an acute injury, like a complete bone fracture or a torn tendon, which often requires surgery and longer recovery times.
- Extended recovery periods: Without early intervention, overuse injuries may sideline young athletes for weeks or even months, disrupting their training and development.
"I always tell young athletes and their parents—proper footwear, enough rest, and paying attention to early symptoms make all the difference," says Dr. Halloran. "Catching potential issues early can keep your kids active, healthy, and doing what they love without worrying about more serious injuries down the road!"
About ARC in Cedar Park
There are three ARC clinics located in Cedar Park. ARC Cedar Park Building B and ARC Medical Plaza Specialty offer 12 different specialties, and ARC Cedar Park Building C offers primary care and After Hours Care. Our specialties range from Allergy and Asthma to Sports Medicine; our primary care physicians and APCs include Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Pediatrics.
Make an appointment today
Dr. Halloran sees patients ages 4 and up at two ARC locations. Make an appointment online, through ARC MyChart, or by calling the location most convenient to you:
- ARC Cedar Park Building B at 512-259-3467
- ARC Medical Park Tower Orthopedics at 512-454-4561