Protecting Your Child's Feet and Ankles During School Recess
School is back in session, which means so is recess: a time for children to play, socialize, and stay active. However, it can also be a source of foot and ankle injuries if proper precautions are not taken. As a parent, knowing the common foot and ankle injuries kids face at school can help you keep them safe, everywhere from the woodchips, blacktop, or grass.
In this article, we at The Foot & Ankle Center of Maryland will cover all things from recess to the ground up.
Common Foot and Ankle Injuries During Recess
Ankle sprains: These occur when the ankle joint is twisted or rolled, often due to missteps or sudden changes in direction. Running on uneven terrain, such as a school lawn, can increase the risk of sprains.
Plantar fasciitis: Inflammation of the plantar fascia, a tissue connecting the heel to the toes, can cause heel pain, especially after prolonged standing or jumping.
Fractures: Yes, your child can break their foot at recess. Falling from high jungle gym heights, such as leaping off the swing set, can cause a devastating fall. Educate your child on these associated risks.
Preventing Foot and Ankle Injuries
If your child already plays sports after school, recess might not be the time to go all out. Foot overuse injuries are a common pediatric foot problem.
Footwear Considerations
Friction from shoes or rough surfaces can lead to blisters and ingrown toenails, especially in new or ill-fitting footwear.
So, choose footwear suitable for the specific activities your child engages in during recess. And if your child must wear a dressier outfit to school, have them pack a pair of sneakers so they’re not running around in unsupportive loafers or heels.
For support and cushioning, we don’t recommend your child wear slides or sandals to school. Instead, ensure their shoes fit correctly. Children’s feet grow rapidly, so the same shoes that fit at the beginning of summer might not fit now.
Your child may even feel the urge to go barefoot at recess, which can lead to infection, abrasions, and injuries, so discourage this behavior.
Want to say goodbye to foot pain? Contact the office of Dr. Ross Cohen of The Foot & Ankle Center of Maryland in Glen Burnie, MD, at (410) 761-3501 to book your initial appointment. We look forward to seeing you!