As a foot and ankle specialist and as someone who has worked closely with countless student athletes and their families over the years, I know how exciting and demanding the new sports season can be. Whether your child is headed to football practice, soccer games, or cross-country meets, these activities bring tremendous benefits but do come with a higher risk for certain injuries. Every year, I see the impact and repetitive motions of school sports lead to sprains, stress fractures, and persistent heel pain in young athletes.
The team at Northern Illinois Foot and Ankle Specialists is dedicated to helping student athletes in Northern Illinois perform at their best while staying healthy. We understand that young, growing bodies require specialized care to prevent injuries before they happen and expert treatment when they do.
As a parent or coach, you play a critical role in your athlete's well-being, and I want to share practical guidance to help you protect your child from common setbacks and ensure a successful, pain-free season.
Common Sports Injuries in Student Athletes
From my experience in the clinic, I know the physical demands of sports can put significant stress on developing feet and ankles. High-impact activity, sharp directional changes, and repetitive movements create a perfect storm for injury if we aren’t careful.
Ankle Sprains
Ankle sprains are by far one of the most common issues I treat in young athletes, especially those who play soccer, basketball, and football. Sprains occur when the ligaments supporting the ankle are overstretched or torn, usually from a twist or sudden roll. While some sprains are mild, ignoring or rushing recovery from a sprain can set an athlete up for chronic problems later on.
Stress Fractures
I often see stress fractures in students involved in running-heavy sports like cross-country and track. These tiny cracks in the bone are caused by repetitive force and overuse rather than a single injury. Athletes tend to downplay the pain, but it’s important to recognize that stress fractures can worsen quickly if not addressed.
Heel Pain (Sever's Disease)
If your child is reporting heel pain during or after athletics, they may be experiencing Sever’s disease—a very common complaint I see in growing, active kids. It’s the result of inflammation in the heel’s growth plate, triggered by repeated impact from running and jumping.
Prevention is Key: How I Help Protect Young Athletes
Most injuries I treat could have been prevented with a few simple steps. Here’s what I recommend to every athlete and parent who walks into my clinic:
Invest in the Right Footwear
Shoes are your athlete’s first line of defense. Make sure your child is wearing shoes that are specifically designed for their sport—not just a generic pair of sneakers. Football cleats, running shoes, and basketball sneakers all provide different support, cushioning, and traction. Poorly fitting shoes are among the most common risk factors I see; there should be a thumb’s width between the longest toe and the shoe’s front, and the heel should be secure without slippage. Old, worn-out shoes offer less support and should be replaced.
Emphasize Proper Stretching
A dynamic stretching routine is vital for preparing the body and lowering injury risk. I encourage athletes to do warm-up movements like ankle circles and leg swings before games and practices, then finish with static stretches after activity. Pay special attention to feet, ankles, and calves in these routines. Consistency is key—it makes a real difference.
Don’t Ignore the Signs of Injury
A common mistake I witness is ignoring pain or limping. Young athletes may feel pressured to 'play through' discomfort, but pushing through can turn a minor sprain or ache into something far more serious. Look for persistent pain, changes in their gait, swelling, bruising, or trouble putting weight on the foot or ankle—these signals shouldn’t be brushed off.
When to See a Specialist
If your child shows any of these warning signs, don’t hesitate to consult a foot and ankle specialist. An early and accurate diagnosis prevents long recoveries and chronic problems. In my practice, I focus on identifying the core issue and developing a treatment plan that gets athletes back in the game safely and confidently. At Northern Illinois Foot and Ankle Specialists, we offer same-day appointments for injuries. You won’t need to wait weeks or head to a busy emergency room.
Let’s Keep Your Athlete in the Game
I care deeply about helping student athletes avoid preventable injuries and enjoy a full, active season. With the right shoes, proper stretching, and timely intervention when issues arise, they can stay healthy and confident. If you have any concerns or notice changes in your child’s performance, know that I am here to help.
Take the first step to an injury-free season. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Spencer Keane at Northern Illinois Foot and Ankle Specialists for a thorough evaluation and a plan tailored to your child’s needs. Let’s work together to keep our young athletes safe, active, and doing what they love.
