Playing with foot pain is risky

Parents and coaches should think twice before coaxing young children and adolescents to "play through" foot and ankle pain.

Playing with pain is risky. It can lead to chronic and painful foot and ankle conditions and future problems with the knees and lower back.

To help avoid injuries, the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons suggests parents should follow these simple tips:

1. Get your child the right shoes for the right sport.

2. Never let a child wear hand-me-down shoes.

3. Buy athletic shoes that are well constructed and don’t bend in the middle of the sole.

4. Never let your child wear cleated shoes on surfaces other than playing fields.

5. Be sure the level of competition is within the child’s ability and overall stamina.

6. Help overweight children lose excess pounds. Being too heavy can put added pressure on the feet.

Parents should be concerned if a child has pain in the back or bottom of the heel, limps, walks on the toes, or seems to have difficulty participating in normal recreational activities.

This story provided by North American Precis Syndicate, Inc.