Fall Sports and Foot Injuries: What Parents Need to Know

Fall brings cooler air, shorter days, and the return of school sports. Soccer fields fill up, football practices run long, and cross-country teams take to the trails. For many kids, it’s the best time of year. But with the excitement of competition comes a quieter concern: fall sports foot injuries.

These injuries don’t just sideline a season. If ignored, they can affect growth, posture, and long-term health. The good news is that most can be prevented — and the earlier you recognize the warning signs, the better chance your child has to keep playing without pain.

Why Kids’ Feet Are Vulnerable

Children’s feet aren’t finished growing. Bones are still forming, muscles are building strength, and growth plates — the soft areas at the ends of bones where new bone develops — are especially delicate. When kids push their limits in sports without the right support or recovery, those areas can take a hit.

Unlike adults, kids may not always describe pain clearly. Sometimes they’ll just limp a little, avoid running, or say they feel “sore.” Parents often assume it’s normal. But recurring soreness can be a red flag that something more is going on.

The Most Common Fall Sports Foot Injuries in Kids

While every sport has its risks, these are the fall sports foot injuries podiatrists see most often in fall athletes:

• Heel pain (Sever’s disease)

This is inflammation at the heel’s growth plate. It’s especially common in soccer and cross-country runners who do a lot of sprinting and jumping. Kids might complain their heel hurts most during or right after activity.

• Ankle sprains

Quick cuts, pivots, and uneven playing surfaces make ankle sprains one of the top sports injuries. Even a mild sprain, if not treated, can weaken the joint and increase the risk of reinjury.

• Stress fractures

Tiny cracks in the bone caused by repetitive impact. They’re often mistaken for muscle soreness at first but worsen with activity.

• Plantar fasciitis

Less common in kids than adults, but it does happen — especially in long-distance runners. Pain usually centers around the heel and arch.

What Parents Can Do to Lower the Risk

You can’t prevent every injury, but small changes make a big difference.

• Start with the right shoes

Sport-specific shoes matter. Soccer cleats are built differently than running shoes. Each provides the right balance of traction, support, and cushioning for the activity. Shoes that are too worn down or too tight put extra stress on young feet.

• Warm up and stretch

Kids don’t always like to slow down, but even a few minutes of stretching calves, hamstrings, and feet before practice can help prevent strain.

• Watch for overuse

Year-round sports are popular, but they come with risks. Repeating the same movements without rest leads to overuse injuries. Encourage variety, rest days, and cross-training.

• Check for pain signals

If your child starts limping, avoids certain movements, or consistently asks to sit out, take it seriously. Don’t chalk it up to “just growing pains.”

When to See a Podiatrist

Mild soreness after a game is normal. Persistent pain is not. If your child has pain lasting more than a few days, swelling, or trouble walking, it’s time for a professional evaluation. At Thrive Foot and Ankle, we help young athletes recover safely and find solutions — from custom orthotics to tailored treatment plans — so they can get back in the game without risking their long-term health.

The Bottom Line

Fall sports are about more than competition. They teach teamwork, discipline, and resilience. Protecting your child’s feet and ankles ensures they can enjoy the season now and stay healthy in the years to come.

For expert guidance and personalized care, visit Thrive Foot and Ankle. A quick check-up today could mean fewer injuries — and more memories — tomorrow.