Dreams of sports success could quickly evaporate if young athletes delay getting treatment for foot and ankle injuries. Many families will ignore their children's injuries and have them "play through the pain" or cut their prescribed rehabilitation short. Often, they have been told that they will "grow out" of any deformity they may exhibit, such as flat foot or in-toeing. This behavior could result in repeated injuries and instability in their feet and ankles well into their teen years and adulthood.

Mark McDonald, MPT, C.Ped., partner and clinic director of First Choice Rehab in Linglestown explains, "Long-term problems can include osteoarthritis and chronic ankle instability.  People with untreated chronic ankle instability may suffer from tendon problems, arthritis and have severe limitations to their activity."

McDonald says with more children playing high-level competitive sports such as gymnastics, tennis, soccer, volleyball, track and field, even golf, he's treating serious foot and ankle injuries in increasingly younger patients.

"I'm treating chronic heel injuries in pre-teen athletes, where a few years ago we saw these cases only among 16- and 17-year-olds," says McDonald. "When the level of competition intensifies, so do the stresses on the feet and ankles and ultimately, injuries."  He adds, "Many injured children can avoid surgery. Instead, the foot can be immobilized for a period of time and followed by a course of aggressive physical therapy."

"Coaches and parents should come and ask questions early on when they hear their child complain of foot or ankle pain," suggests McDonald. "So often parents think that their child's problem is a result of "growing pains" and that it will resolve itself." He explains that a child's growth may be a factor in their pain, but because the child is repeatedly putting stress on the area through sports activity, it cannot be ignored.

Specially trained physical therapists like Mark McDonald use unique diagnostic tools, like Computerized Gait Analysis to assess the child's running patterns. Limb length, foot structure and growth patterns are all taken into the evaluation. Strengthening of supporting muscles, stretching of growing tendons and muscles and intervention with orthotic devices can all be part of a treatment program. "Often, with early intervention, we can prevent the repeated injuries we often see in young athletes and we can also prevent or correct foot deformities," he adds.

Mark McDonald, MPT, C.Ped. and the staff at the Linglestown and Mechanicsburg offices of First Choice Rehab are specially trained in foot and ankle problems. Mark is a Certified Pedorthist, which means he can also fabricate orthotics, modify shoes and braces. A doctor's referral is not always needed and an evaluation of your child's problem can be made within 24-48 hours. For an evaluation or questions, call 920-5002.