Popular Fall Sports and Your Child’s Feet

Fall is right around the corner, and if your child is returning to sports this school year, there are things you should consider when it comes to protecting your child’s feet when they take part in fall sports. In today’s post, Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA, is sharing some information regarding two of the most popular youth sports.

Football: The quick, lateral movements of football players make the selection of proper footwear so important when taking part in this sport.

Superior-quality football cleats not only protect your child’s foot - they also provide traction on slippery surfaces like grass and turf. Regular sneakers should never be worn to play football. In children who play football, we typically see injuries like turf toe, stress fractures, and Lisfranc injuries.

Volleyball: This popular sport requires a lot of quick side-to-side movements and jumping. The recurring jumping can result in swelling, bone fractures, and Sever’s Disease. It can also lead to Achilles tendinitis.

Your child can help lessen the risk of these and other injuries by wearing the right footwear. There are sneakers available that are specifically designed for volleyball. They have soles specifically designed for good traction, added strength in the midsole to support fast lateral movements, and are lightweight.

Preventing Injuries During Fall Sports

No matter how much you prepare, injuries may still occur. But there are some actions your child and you can take to boost good foot health on the field or court.

• Watch for any signs of over-training, such as chronic fatigue or pain.
• Make sure your child gets a sufficient amount of rest after an injury. They shouldn’t get back in the game until a doctor gives them clearance.
• Ensure your children are doing the correct stretching and warm-up exercises prior to and following each sporting session.
• Visit your podiatrist to promptly treat injuries to the feet or ankles. Especially with a growing child, an injury that isn’t assessed and properly treated by a podiatrist can cause problems later.

If your child is taking part in sports this fall, follow these tips to prevent injuries. If your child does get injured, contact Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA, today to make an appointment. You can schedule an appointment online or by calling us at 425-455-0936.