A centre in St George urges parents to monitor for lingering foot and ankle pain in young athletes returning to school sports, highlighting the risks of overuse injuries as training intensity increases post-summer.
Foot & Ankle Center in St George is urging parents in southern Utah to watch for lingering foot and ankle pain as children return to school sport this autumn. The clinic said the start of the season is often when overuse problems first become noticeable, particularly when young athletes are increasing training after a quieter summer.
The warning comes amid wider concern among clinicians about repetitive-use injuries in children and teenagers, including stress fractures, Achilles tendinitis and growth plate damage. Specialists say these problems can be harder to spot than a sudden sprain because symptoms often build slowly and may ease temporarily after activity ends. Research and guidance from orthopaedic groups also note that young athletes who train year-round or focus on a single sport can be more vulnerable to injury.
Dr Landon Cameron, the clinic’s founder, said early evaluation can help distinguish routine soreness from pain that needs treatment. “Our goal is to help parents, coaches, and athletes alike understand the difference between normal soreness and pain that may need attention,” Cameron said. The clinic said it commonly sees ankle sprains, Sever’s disease, Achilles tendinitis and stress fractures in the heel and midfoot.
The centre said parents should seek an assessment if a child limps, has swelling that does not settle, reports heel pain in the morning, or continues to complain of discomfort after rest. It added that timely diagnosis can help guide treatment and reduce the risk of a longer lay-off. Foot & Ankle Center has practices in St George and Mesquite, Nevada.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
