Pediatric Foot Injuries & Overuse in Houston, TX
Kids and teens are always on the move, from recess and PE to club soccer, dance, and competitive sports. Because their bones are still growing, young athletes are vulnerable to injuries and overuse conditions that differ from those in adults. Dr. Ken Dennis provides gentle, age-appropriate foot and ankle care for children and teens throughout Houston.
Common Pediatric Foot & Ankle Problems
- Sever’s disease (heel growth plate inflammation), the most common cause of heel pain in active kids
- Ankle sprains and growth plate injuries
- Stress fractures and overuse injuries
- Flat feet and arch pain
- Accessory navicular and inner-foot pain
- Ingrown toenails
- Plantar warts
- Toe walking and gait concerns
What Causes Overuse Injuries in Kids?
Overuse injuries happen when repetitive stress outpaces the body’s ability to recover. Growth spurts, year-round single-sport training, back-to-back practices, worn-out cleats, and tight calf muscles all increase the risk. The growth plates in a child’s heel and foot are softer than adult bone, making them more prone to irritation.
Signs Your Child Should See a Podiatrist
- Limping or favoring one foot
- Heel pain during or after sports
- Swelling, bruising, or pain that lasts more than a few days
- Reluctance to play or walk
- Uneven shoe wear or frequent tripping
- Painful, red, or infected toenails
Treatment for Young Patients
Most pediatric foot problems improve with conservative care, including rest and activity modification, stretching, supportive footwear, heel cups, bracing, and custom foot orthotics. Dr. Dennis also performs quick, gentle in-office procedures for ingrown nails and warts. We focus on getting kids back to play safely while protecting growing bones.
Keeping Young Athletes Healthy
Encourage rest days, replace shoes and cleats as kids grow, build activity gradually, and don’t let children play through pain. Learn more about sports injuries and running injuries, or call Kenrick J. Dennis, DPM at (713) 465-8833.
Pediatric Foot Care FAQs
What is Sever’s disease?
Sever’s disease is inflammation of the growth plate in the heel. It’s the most common cause of heel pain in active children, typically between ages 8 and 14.
Are growing pains in the feet normal?
Occasional mild aches can be normal, but pain that causes limping, lasts several days, or occurs during sports should be evaluated.
Should my child play through foot pain?
No. Playing through pain can worsen an injury, especially when growth plates are involved. Have persistent pain checked by a podiatrist.
Do children need orthotics for flat feet?
Many children with flexible flat feet have no symptoms and don’t need treatment. Orthotics may help if flat feet cause pain or fatigue.
Can you treat ingrown toenails in kids?
Yes. Ingrown toenails are common in children and teens, and a quick in-office procedure provides fast relief.
How can I prevent overuse injuries in my child?
Build activity gradually, schedule rest days, avoid year-round single-sport training, stretch regularly, and make sure shoes fit properly.