As a parent of a young soccer player, it’s not uncommon to hear complaints about foot pain. However, knowing how to handle these situations can be challenging. Foot pain is a topic that parents often ask about. Let’s explore the biggest mistakes people make when dealing with youth soccer foot pain and how to avoid them.
1. Ignoring the Pain or Waiting Too Long
One of the most common mistakes is assuming the pain will go away on its own. As one parent shared, “We went away for two weeks so I thought the rest would help, but after a training yesterday she told me it is not better.” Ignoring persistent pain can lead to more serious issues.
2. Relying Solely on Online Advice
While seeking advice online can be helpful, it shouldn’t replace professional medical opinion. As one commenter wisely noted, “STOP IT. The parent should take the kid to a medical provider of some sort (orthopedist, primary care, podiatrist, physical therapist) for in-person evaluation.”
3. Overlooking the Possibility of Fractures
Many parents don’t realize that their child’s foot pain could be due to a fracture. Several commenters shared experiences of fractures being the root cause:
- “My son had the same issue….was a fracture.”
- “Turned out to be a Tillaux fracture. Was told only a pediatric orthopedic would catch it.”
- “It was a fracture + growth plate fracture.”
4. Not Getting Proper Imaging
Relying solely on physical examinations can lead to missed diagnoses. As one parent pointed out, “X-rays wouldn’t pick up the slight fracture but it showed when I got an MRI.” When dealing with persistent foot pain, it’s crucial to get appropriate imaging tests.
5. Overlooking Less Common Conditions
Sometimes, the pain might be due to less common conditions. One parent shared, “Went to ortho and they diagnosed her with accessory Navicular. In layman terms an extra bone in the foot there.”
6. Neglecting Proper Footwear and Support
Inadequate foot support can exacerbate pain issues. One parent’s experience highlights this: “Doctor literally took the sole of her shoe out, added a piece of cushion to the heel and put the sole of the shoe back in. Pain never happened again.”
7. Not Considering Multiple Treatment Options
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for foot pain. Parents shared various treatments that worked for their children:
- “Night splints”
- “Roll the bottom of her foot with a bottle of frozen water and do heel raises”
- “Get him some oofos sandals and have him wear them instead of going barefoot”
- “Look at some super feet inserts for his cleats“
- “We love laser therapy at chiropractor on our ankles”
The Right Approach to Youth Soccer Foot Pain
So, what should you do if your young soccer player complains of foot pain? Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Take the complaint seriously, especially if the pain persists.
- Seek professional medical help. A pediatric orthopedist or sports medicine specialist is often recommended.
- Get proper imaging done, including X-rays and potentially MRIs.
- Consider multiple treatment options, including rest, physical therapy, proper footwear, and support inserts.
- Be patient with the recovery process and follow medical advice closely.
Remember, early intervention can prevent more serious issues down the line. As one parent advised, “If your kids are serious about soccer, they’re going to have injuries. Immediately go to a sports ortho foot & ankle specialist for x-ray and / or MRI.”
Avoiding common mistakes leads to faster recovery
Dealing with youth soccer foot pain can be challenging, but avoiding these common mistakes can lead to faster recovery and prevent long-term issues. Always prioritize your child’s health and don’t hesitate to seek professional medical advice when needed. After all, a healthy foot is crucial for a young soccer player’s performance and enjoyment of the game.
