Sports injuries in children are very common, with kids making thousands of visits to the emergency room each day for a sports-related injury. In fact, millions of kids who participate in organized sports suffer some sort of injury at some point during the year. Whether your child is participating in basketball, soccer, football, or baseball, the risk of injury comes with the territory, but some common sense tips can help to minimize or prevent many of these injuries. One of the most important factors is to make certain your child has the correct gear and properly fitted footwear for each sport in which he or she engages.
Growth plate damage—Since children’s bones and tissues are constantly growing, one of the most common places for an injury to occur is to the growth plates that exist at the end of the long bones of the body, including the upper arm, lower leg, hand, fingers, and foot. An injury to a growth plate will often need the specialized care of a foot doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Injuries caused by repetitive motion and stress—Tendonitis and stress fractures can occur due to the constant strain on overused muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones. The plantar fascia, a wide band of tissue which runs along the bottom of the foot, can become inflamed causing a condition called plantar fasciitis.
Ankle sprains and strains—Ankle injuries are one of the most common to affect people in general, with young athletes suffering these injuries quite often. When the ligaments and tendons that surround the ankle joint are stretched or torn, the result can be a severe ankle injury that requires expert care from your podiatrist to ensure proper healing and to help prevent a recurrence.
Never push a child to perform through pain, and see your podiatrist right away if you suspect a foot or ankle injury. At E.J. Nemet Podiatry in Twinsburg, E.J. Nemet, DPM treats a variety of foot and ankle conditions, including sports injuries, pediatric foot problems, diabetic foot complications, nerve disorders, and toenail and skin conditions. With advanced technologies and a dedicated staff, Dr. Nemet provides expert and compassionate care to patients in the Twinsburg and Beachwood areas. To contact us or to schedule an appointment, please call (234) 212-9940.