ASK THE EXPERT
ANKLE INJURIES IN YOUTH ATHLETES
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By Dr. John Goodner
arents should encour- the majority of these children outgrow these age their children to conditions without medical treatment; see a foot participate in sports, and ankle specialist if your child is consistently not only for the cardiovas- tripping during activity. cular benefits, but also to Ankle Sprains - Typically seen more often in help develop attributes like older youth athletes, younger athletes tend to also self-discipline, teamwork and an appreciation for have associated growth plate injuries with ankle the importance of good health habits to carry sprains. Immediate treatment is critical to healing throughout their lifetime. In children younger and prevention of long-term ankle instability. than ten, multi-sport participation is advised with See a foot and ankle specialist, immediately, for a training emphasis on proper technique and better long-term prognosis. Physical therapy to coordination. It is commonly advised that sport restore balance and strength is often necessary specialization be delayed until the late teens; after offloading the injured ankle. research shows that children who specialize Fractures - If a child is unable to put weight too early are more likely to experience foot and on the injured foot after injury, it is recommended ankle injuries. to see a foot and ankle specialist for an X-ray to In addition to proper fitting and supporting rule out a fracture. If not severe, rest and immofootwear, a dynamic warm-up specific to the bilization with a cast may likely be the treatment. sport being played is recommended for all More complicated injuries may require surgical ages in order to prevent injury. As the opposite correction for better long-term prognosis. Stress of adults, children are more susceptible to fractures are often seen in children whose total growth plate injuries than injuries to tendons participation in sports activity is greater than and ligaments. These growth plates typically 16 hours per week; it is recommended that a do not finish closing until 15-18 in boys and child’s total hours of organized sports per week 13-16 in girls. Many children suffer from torsional should be less than or equal to the age in years. imbalances such as in-toe or out-toe, however, Heel Pain - Also referred to as calcaneal
apophysitis, it is an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel usually caused by excessive usage, tight Achilles tendon, flat feet, poor fitting cleats or shoes, or blunt trauma. Commonly seen in sprinting sports, like soccer and baseball, because of the cleat patterns and also in basketball because of the force from coming down after a rebound. Usual treatment includes rest, immobilization, ice, heel lifts, orthotics, stretching and physical therapy. Shin Splints – This is a very common overuse injury. The presence of a tight Achilles tendon can cause overuse and inflammation of the weaker dorsiflexion muscles in the front of the leg. In children with flatfeet and a tight Achilles, overuse of a muscle in the back inside of the leg can become inflamed as well. Treatment includes rest, ice, compression, physical therapy, stretching, strengthening exercises, and orthotics.
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Dr. John Goodner is a Board Certified Reconstructive Foot and Ankle Surgeon with the Foot, Ankle and Leg Specialists of South Florida and specializes in sports medicine foot and ankle injuries, foot and ankle arthroscopy, lower extremity trauma, and lower extremity deformities in infants, children, teens and adults. The South Florida Institute of Sports Medicine is located at 17842 NW 2nd St Pembroke Pines, FL 33029-2806 Tel: (954) 430-9901 The practice website is www.SouthFloridaSportsMedicine.com. Instagram @SouthFloridaSportsMedicine and Twitter @SFLSportsMed
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December 2021 / OurCityMedia.com / 35
