Youth sports participation continues to rise, offering children and adolescents physical health benefits, social interaction and a strong foundation in teamwork and discipline. However, with increased athletic activity comes a higher risk of injury, particularly to the feet. Young athletes are still growing, and their bones, muscles and connective tissues are not yet fully developed, making them more vulnerable to overuse and trauma-related conditions.
Among the most frequently reported issues in paediatric sports medicine are foot problems ranging from minor irritations like itchy toes to more serious conditions involving heel or arch pain. Left untreated, these concerns can interfere with performance, development and long-term musculoskeletal health.
This article explores the most common foot problems affecting young athletes, their causes, symptoms, prevention strategies and treatment options. Parents, coaches and trainers can play a key role in recognising these conditions early and ensuring that affected children receive appropriate care.

Why Are Young Athletes at Higher Risk?
The growing foot is more susceptible to injury because it undergoes structural and biomechanical changes during development. Children often experience rapid growth spurts, which can create muscular imbalances, tight tendons and shifting joint alignments. These changes, combined with repetitive activity and sometimes ill-fitting shoes, can cause or exacerbate foot issues.
Sports such as soccer, basketball, gymnastics, athletics and dance require frequent jumping, sprinting, pivoting and lateral movement. These motions place significant strain on the feet, especially when performed on hard surfaces or with inadequate support.
The Role of Hygiene and Shared Spaces
Athletic environments, including locker rooms, communal showers and swimming pools, are breeding grounds for fungal infections. One of the most common infections seen in young athletes is athletes foot Toronto clinics often report among children participating in high-contact or indoor sports.
Athlete’s foot is a contagious fungal skin condition that usually begins between the toes and may spread across the foot. Symptoms include:
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Itching, burning or stinging sensation
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Red, flaky or peeling skin
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Cracked skin and blisters
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An unpleasant foot odour
Though not life-threatening, the infection can worsen if left untreated, spreading to the toenails (onychomycosis) or even other parts of the body. Early intervention using antifungal treatments and maintaining proper foot hygiene are critical. Parents should ensure that children dry their feet thoroughly after bathing or swimming and avoid sharing socks, shoes or towels.
Severs Disease: A Common Cause of Heel Pain
In the pre-adolescent and early teen years, one of the most frequent causes of heel pain is severs disease. Also known as calcaneal apophysitis, this condition occurs when the growth plate in the heel becomes inflamed due to repetitive stress or tension from the Achilles tendon.
Symptoms of Sever’s disease typically include:
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Pain or tenderness at the back or underside of the heel
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Discomfort that worsens with activity and improves with rest
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Limping or walking on toes to avoid heel contact
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Swelling or warmth near the heel
The condition is most prevalent in active children aged 8 to 14, especially those involved in sports requiring running or jumping. Unlike traditional injuries, Sever’s disease is related to growth and does not cause long-term damage when managed properly.
Treatment involves:
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Rest or modification of activity
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Ice therapy to reduce inflammation
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Heel cushions or orthotic inserts
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Stretching exercises for the calves and Achilles tendon
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Wearing supportive, shock-absorbing footwear
Most children recover fully with conservative treatment. However, early diagnosis is important to prevent the pain from interfering with normal walking or sports performance.
Plantar Fasciitis in Active Youth
Although plantar fasciitis is more common in adults, particularly runners, it can also occur in children and adolescents. This condition involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot and supports the arch.
Symptoms include:
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Sharp or aching pain in the heel, especially during the first steps in the morning
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Increased discomfort after prolonged standing or physical activity
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Mild swelling in the heel area
In young athletes, plantar fasciitis often results from overtraining, improper footwear, flat feet or tight calf muscles. Management includes rest, stretching, footwear changes and, in some cases, temporary orthotic support.
Toe Injuries and Turf Toe
Toe injuries are common in sports involving quick directional changes, especially those played on artificial turf. “Turf toe” is a sprain of the ligaments around the big toe joint, caused by hyperextension or sudden upward bending of the toe.
Symptoms of turf toe include:
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Pain at the base of the big toe
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Swelling and bruising
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Limited range of motion
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Pain that worsens with push-off or sprinting
Turf toe can range from mild to severe. Rest, ice and compression are essential in the early stages, while more serious cases may require immobilisation or physical therapy.
Ingrown Toenails and Improper Footwear
Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness and sometimes infection. This condition is particularly common in adolescent athletes who wear tight shoes, have improper nail trimming habits or experience trauma to the toes.
Symptoms include:
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Tenderness along the nail edges
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Redness and swelling
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Pus or fluid drainage in infected cases
Prevention includes wearing properly sized footwear, trimming toenails straight across and avoiding tight athletic shoes. Early treatment often involves soaking the foot in warm water and using antiseptic creams, but severe cases may require minor procedures to remove part of the nail.
Overuse Injuries and Stress Fractures
Stress fractures are small, hairline cracks in bones caused by repetitive force, often from overuse. In children, these fractures are more likely to occur in the metatarsals, tibia and heel.
Warning signs include:
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Persistent pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest
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Swelling and tenderness in a specific area
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Reduced performance or altered gait
Children who rapidly increase their training load without adequate rest are at higher risk. Proper footwear, gradual progression in training and cross-training can help prevent these injuries.
Flat Feet and Arch Problems
Flat feet are common in children and often resolve naturally with age. However, in some cases, they persist and may lead to discomfort during sports or physical activity. Symptoms of problematic flat feet include:
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Foot fatigue
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Pain in the arch or heel
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Difficulty balancing or running
Flat feet can affect biomechanics and lead to further problems in the ankles, knees and hips. A podiatric evaluation may result in recommendations for supportive footwear or custom orthotics to improve alignment and reduce strain.

Preventative Measures and Parental Guidance
Preventing foot problems in young athletes starts with proactive care and education. Parents and coaches should:
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Encourage proper warm-up and cool-down routines
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Ensure children wear well-fitted, activity-specific shoes
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Promote good hygiene and regular nail care
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Monitor for early signs of discomfort or changes in gait
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Educate children on the importance of reporting pain or injury early
Early intervention is vital in preventing minor foot issues from becoming chronic or causing long-term damage. Regular check-ups with a podiatrist or paediatric specialist are beneficial, particularly for children with recurring complaints.
The Role of Footwear in Injury Prevention
Appropriate footwear is one of the most effective tools in preventing foot problems. Shoes should offer adequate support, cushioning and stability for the sport in question. Regularly replacing worn-out shoes is equally important, as diminished shock absorption can increase injury risk.
Tips for choosing the right footwear include:
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Try shoes on later in the day when feet are slightly swollen
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Leave room at the toe box (about a thumb’s width)
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Avoid shoes that pinch or cause discomfort when walking
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Choose moisture-wicking materials to reduce fungal risk
In cases where foot shape or gait is a concern, professional gait analysis and custom inserts may offer additional protection and support.
Recovery and Return to Sport
Returning to sports after a foot injury should be gradual and guided by a healthcare professional. Rushing back too soon can exacerbate the problem and delay full recovery. A step-by-step return-to-play program should include:
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Full pain resolution
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Restoration of strength and flexibility
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Ability to perform sport-specific drills without discomfort
In some cases, physical therapy may be recommended to address muscular imbalances or improve movement mechanics.
Young athletes are susceptible to a variety of foot problems due to their active lifestyles and developmental stage. From fungal infections to structural injuries like Sever’s disease, the feet offer important clues about overall musculoskeletal health.
Early recognition, appropriate treatment and preventive care can make all the difference. With the right support from parents, coaches and healthcare providers, young athletes can continue to enjoy their sports safely and with confidence.









Epping, NSW – Feb. 7, 2016 – Physiotherapy Epping and West Ryde clinics of Northern Districts Physiotherapy Eastwood (NDPE) is focused on providing assessments, maintenance and restoration of physical function and performance. Therapies are designed to ease pain, rehabilitate, reduce the risk of injury, and help the body perform optimally.