Growing Pains or Something More?

At Arya Foot & Ankle, we see young athletes come through our doors with a variety of foot and ankle concerns. While growing pains are a common occurrence, it's crucial to differentiate between mild and more serious issues that can impact pediatric performance and long-term foot health.

Understanding Growing Pains:

Growing pains are a normal part of childhood development, typically affecting children between 8 and 12. These achy sensations usually occur at night and affect both legs. They are called growing pains because as the growth plate closes in bones, there can be pain that happens due to how rapid the process is. It’s important to remember that foot and ankle pain in children can also arise from injuries or overuse. 

The location of pain can be a key differentiator. Growing pains are typically felt in the muscles, particularly the calves or shins. In contrast, pain from injuries or overuse can be more specific, targeting areas like the heel, arch, or ankle. Additionally, growing pains are usually a dull ache that doesn't worsen with activity. Injuries or overuse, however, can cause sharp, throbbing pain that increases with activity and putting weight on the foot or ankle. Finally, growing pains won't cause redness or swelling, whereas injuries or overuse can lead to swelling, redness, and even bruising in the affected area.

Common Foot and Ankle Issues in Young Athletes:

• Sever's Disease: This overuse injury affects the heel's growth plate, causing pain in the back of the heel, particularly after activity.
• Osgood-Schlatter Disease: Similar to Sever's disease, this affects the growth plate below the kneecap, causing pain and tenderness with activity.
• Plantar Fasciitis: Inflammation of the plantar fascia, the tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, can cause heel pain, especially in the mornings.
• Ankle Sprains: A rolled ankle is a common injury, causing pain, swelling, and instability in the joint.
• Stress Fractures: Repetitive stress on the bones of the foot or ankle can lead to small cracks, causing pain that worsens with activity.

Early Intervention is Key:

The first step to knowing what’s going on is obtaining imaging. At Arya Foot & Ankle we have in-house x-ray and ultrasound to help with diagnostics so that we can look at the growth plate and also the attachments of soft tissue around it. That way we can be confident moving your child forward into their favorite activities or allowing them to have rest and do physical therapy if that is needed. 

It's important to see a doctor when there is:

• Severe, constant, or activity-aggravated pain
• Swelling, redness, or bruising in the foot or ankle
• Difficulty walking or putting weight on the foot or ankle
• Limping or changes in gait
• Persistent pain that interferes with their ability to participate in sports and activities your child normally enjoys

We enjoy young patients and we are open on Saturdays so that we can accommodate our busy student & parent schedules! We are also here at lunchtime most weekdays. You may visit our website at Arya Foot & Ankle to set up an appointment for consultation or call us at 602-309-8788. 

Prevention Strategies:

To prevent foot and ankle problems in young athletes, a multi-pronged approach is recommended:

1. Ensure their footwear fits well and provides adequate support specific to their chosen sport. 
2. Advise against ramping up training intensity or duration too quickly. Allow their bodies to adapt by gradually increasing training demands. Proper warm-up exercises to improve flexibility and cool-down stretches to prevent muscle soreness are also crucial. 
3. Maintaining a healthy weight is another preventive measure, as excess weight puts additional stress on growing feet and ankles. 
4. Open communication is key. Encourage young athletes to speak up if they experience any pain or discomfort, allowing for early intervention and continued participation in their favorite activities.

By working together with parents, coaches, and young athletes can play a vital role in ensuring healthy foot development and preventing injuries. Early diagnosis and intervention can keep young athletes on the field, court, and track and participating in the activities they love. Keep your young athlete in the game with us! If you’re concerned about an issue your child has, schedule a consultation with us at Arya Foot & Ankle today!

Author

Dr. Shylaja Arya Dr. Arya is the owner of Arya Foot & Ankle, a podiatry practice that serves the greater Phoenix area with same day, Saturday, and lunch time appointments. She is a level 500 yoga instructor, tennis player, dog mom and shoe lover!