Pediatric Sports Medicine for Foot & Ankle Injuries — Lake Travis, TX
Young athletes are not just small adults — their growing bodies face unique risks, especially in the bones, growth plates, and tendons of the feet and ankles. At Elite Foot & Ankle Associates near Lake Travis, TX, we specialize in pediatric sports medicine, helping young athletes recover safely, return to sport confidently, and protect their long-term foot health.
WHAT IS IT?
Pediatric sports medicine podiatry addresses foot and ankle injuries in children and adolescents, with specific expertise in growth-related conditions. Growing bones have open growth plates (physes) that are more vulnerable to injury than the surrounding tendons and ligaments. A condition that would cause an ankle sprain in an adult may cause a growth plate fracture in a child.
COMMON CAUSES
- Rapid growth spurts that create tightness in tendons and muscles
- Overuse from year-round sport specialization
- Improper footwear for sport and foot type
- Biomechanical issues such as flat feet or toe-walking
- High training volumes without adequate rest
- Hard playing surfaces
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
- Heel pain during or after sports activity (hallmark of Sever's disease)
- Limping or avoiding activity
- Swelling at the heel, ankle, or midfoot
- Pain that improves with rest but returns with activity
- Complaints of foot tiredness or leg aches after games or practice
- Changes in running or walking pattern
TREATMENT OPTIONS
- Sever's disease management: activity modification, heel cups, stretching, and MLS Laser Therapy
- Growth plate fracture evaluation and immobilization
- Custom orthotics for pediatric flat feet or biomechanical correction
- Sport-specific rehabilitation and return-to-play protocols
- Parent and coach education on safe training loads
WHY ELITE FOOT & ANKLE?
We treat youth athletes with the same diagnostic rigor as professional athletes, while understanding that a child’s developing body requires a different approach. We communicate clearly with parents, coaches, and school athletic trainers, and we create return-to-sport plans that balance competitive goals with healthy development. We never just tell a kid to ‘rest it’ without a plan.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Sever's disease (calcaneal apophysitis) is the most common cause of heel pain in children aged 8–14. It's caused by inflammation at the growth plate in the heel where the Achilles tendon attaches. It's not dangerous — it resolves when the growth plate closes — but it can be very painful and requires proper management.
Yes. Children often underreport pain or push through discomfort. Persistent foot pain during or after sports — even if they can walk — warrants evaluation. Growth plate injuries that aren't identified and protected can worsen significantly.
Yes, and they often benefit greatly from them. Pediatric custom orthotics can correct flat feet, improve biomechanics, and prevent overuse injuries. They're sized and fitted for growing feet.
X-rays and physical examination help differentiate. Growth plate fractures can look like sprains clinically. Any foot or ankle injury with significant swelling, difficulty bearing weight, or point tenderness over bone should be X-rayed. We have in-office imaging for fast answers.
Often, yes — with modifications. We try to keep young athletes as active as safely possible while protecting the injured area. Complete rest is rarely our first recommendation.
SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT
Don’t let foot pain bench your young athlete. Call Elite Foot & Ankle Associates near Lake Travis, TX at (512) 907-3100 or book online. Serving youth athletes throughout Lake Travis, Bee Cave, Westlake, and Lakeway.
