Hannibal Doctor Says ‘Don’t Play With Foot Pain’
Dr. Scott Friedersdorf
“Many adult, adolescent and child athletes are playing with seemingly normal but
persistent foot pain that could be a sign of a more serious injury,” says Dr. Scott
Friedersdorf, ACFAS, Podiatrist at the Hannibal Clinic.
"Playing with pain often is viewed as a badge of honor among athletes, but they must be
aware that the persistent pain they dismiss as normal exercise-related stress could be
something far more serious," said Dr. Friedersdorf.
Dr. Friedersdorf says athletes of all ages visit his office with foot pain due to overuse
injuries from repetitive loading of the foot and ankle during running and aerobics.
"When athletes overdo their workouts, it may be normal to experience some temporary
discomfort," said Dr. Friedersdorf. "But if pain continues longer than a few days with
continued redness, warmth or swelling, the athlete should see a podiatric foot and ankle
surgeon for proper diagnosis and advice on treatment options."
Athletes who ignore persistent foot pain and inflammation and continue to train risk
potential complications that could sideline them for months. Among possible injuries
associated with persistent foot and ankle pain are stress fractures, muscle strains,
tendonitis and subtle fractures after inversion ankle sprains.
"Stress fractures sometimes aren’t debilitating and some athletes might continue their
normal training despite the injury," said Dr. Friedersdorf. "But continual rigorous activity
can worsen the problem. An examination and diagnosis by a foot specialist can determine
whether the pain is from overuse or subtle trauma, requiring only a few days of rest, or
something that may require surgical intervention."
Heel pain in children often is caused by injuries to the growth plate and secondary growth
centers in which tendons pull at the top and bottom of the growth plate of the heel. Boys
and girls ages 8 to 14 are susceptible to this problem, and its major symptom is pain on
either side of the heel.
"Growth-plate trauma is common in soccer and other sports that involve a lot of running,"
said Dr. Friedersdorf. "Parents should make sure that their children stretch before playing
and apply ice to the back of the heel after the game or practice. In some cases, anti-
inflammatory drugs and shoe inserts or lifts are recommended, but the potential for
recurrent injury exists until the growth plate closes," he explained.
Foot and ankle surgeons provide many forms of treatment to keep children pain free and
participating in sports activities. When treating athletes of any age, they will evaluate
several factors that could be the underlying cause of foot pain. They include:
Running or playing surfaces: Athletes who train on asphalt or cement are more prone to
stress injuries than those who run on cushioned tracks or natural grass fields.
Shoes: Footwear should be appropriate for the sport and match the biomechanics of the
individual’s foot. For example, those who engage in one sport more than three times a
week should wear athletic shoes designed for the sport, and shoe technology has
advanced to allow for variances in foot characteristics that require stability cushioning.
Training: Injuries often result when athletes fail to build up to a desired training goal.
Accordingly, a runner shouldn’t set a goal of 20 miles a week without gradually
progressing to that goal.
Behavioral factors: In children, overuse injuries sometimes occur from excessive parental
pressure to achieve in sports.
Nutrition: Stress fractures can occur in athletes with poor nutritional habits.
Over-training: Sleeping problems and resultant irritability and fatigue are common among
some athletes who exercise aggressively.
Physical characteristics: Variations in bone structure and muscle development are
evidenced in individuals who are bowlegged or have malalignment problems.
For more information or to make an appointment with Dr. Scott Friedersdorf, call the
Hannibal Clinic at 573-231-3232.