Ankle & Foot

While heel pain in a young athlete can have a number of causes, one of the most common causes of heel pain in growing athletes between the ages 10 and 15 is Severs Disease.

Most injuries in youth basketball are minor and can be treated with simple first-aid. Finger sprains are common, but ankle and knee injuries, especially in Grades 1 through 6, are not. Here's some basic first aid advice from a longtime coach.

The position of the foot just before ground contact during running and walking may put people at risk for ankle sprains, according to a new study in the June 2011 online edition of the American Journal of Sports Medicine which found that people who have a history of repetitive ankle sprains demonstrated lower clearance heights between their feet and the floor during running, and pointed their toes down more during walking.

Advice from a physical therapist on ways to reduce the risk of Achilles tendon injuries while increasing the strength, power, and dynamic capabilities of the foot and ankle.

A very common, but often overlooked problem with lower leg injuries is that a secondary injury can occur, such as posterior tibialis tendonitis, a painful inflammation and injury along the lower inside part of the leg, ankle, and arch of the foot. 

Parents and coaches can help prevent common volleyball injuries by promoting proper warm-up, stretching and strengthening exercises, as well as paying close attention to the proper techniques, footwear, braces and pads to play volleyball safely.

Ankle sprains are the most common injury in high school volleyball, and the most common acute injury. A new study, however, suggests that volleyball players who wear ankle braces can reduce the risk of first-time ankle sprains, with rigid or semi-rigid braces more effective for girls.

Heel pain occurs frequently in children ages 6 to 14 as their feet grow and the heel bone develops.The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons advises parents that when their child complains of heel pain, it should be diagnosed promptly because it may be a warning sign of a serious foot problem.

Early recognition and treatment of common overuse injuries to growth plates is key to the safe return to play of young athletes says a new study.