Foot and ankle pain in teens is far more common than many families expect. Adolescence is a period of rapid physical change, increased independence, and often intense participation in sports and other physical activities. As teens grow, their bones, muscles, and soft tissues are constantly adapting to new demands. Add busy athletic schedules, year-round training, and growth spurts, and it’s easy to see why discomfort in the feet and ankles frequently develops.
While some soreness can be normal, persistent or worsening foot and ankle pain should never be ignored. Early recognition and proper diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent short-term pain from becoming a long-term problem. Below, we explore the most common causes of foot and ankle pain in teens, what parents should watch for, and how pediatric orthopedic specialists can help.
Why Foot and Ankle Pain Is Common in Teenagers
Teenagers are not simply smaller adults. Their bodies are still developing, and their growth plates—the areas of cartilage at the ends of bones—remain open and vulnerable to injury. During adolescence, bones often grow faster than muscles and tendons can stretch, creating tension across joints and soft tissues. This imbalance can lead to inflammation, irritation, and pain, particularly in the feet and ankles, which bear the body’s weight every day.
At the same time, teens are often more active than ever. Organized sports, recreational activities, and daily walking between classes all place repeated stress on the foot and ankle. Weight bearing activities such as running, jumping, and pivoting increase strain on developing bones and soft tissues, making foot and ankle pain in teens especially common during this stage of life.
Overuse and Sports-Related Injuries
Overuse injuries are among the leading causes of foot and ankle pain in teens. These injuries occur when repetitive stress is placed on the same structures without enough time for rest and recovery. Many teens participate in multiple sports or play the same sport year-round, significantly increasing their risk.
Conditions that develop due to overuse include Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, and stress fractures. Achilles tendonitis involves inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. Teens may experience pain, stiffness, or swelling along the back of the ankle, especially after physical activities.
Plantar fasciitis affects the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot. In teens, this can cause heel pain or discomfort along the bottom of the foot, particularly with the first steps in the morning or after prolonged activity.
Stress fractures are tiny cracks in the bone that develop over time from repetitive impact. Unlike acute fractures, stress fractures may start as mild soreness and gradually worsen. They are common in runners, dancers, and athletes involved in high-impact sports.
Growth-Related Conditions Affecting the Foot and Ankle
Growth spurts can play a role in foot and ankle pain in teens. As bones lengthen rapidly, muscles and tendons can become tight, pulling on growth plates and causing inflammation.
One of the most common growth-related conditions is Sever’s disease. Despite its name, Sever’s disease is not an infection but a growth plate injury affecting the heel bone (calcaneus). It occurs when the Achilles tendon repeatedly pulls on the heel’s growth plate during activities like running and jumping. Teens with Sever’s disease often complain of heel pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest.
The good news is that growth plate conditions are temporary and usually resolve once growth is complete. However, proper management—including activity modification, supportive footwear, and sometimes physical therapy—is essential to relieve pain and prevent further irritation.
Structural & Alignment Issues (Flat Feet, High Arches, Gait Problems)
Foot structure can significantly influence how forces are distributed during movement. Teens with flat feet, high arches, or abnormal gait patterns may be more prone to foot and ankle pain.
Flat feet occur when the arch collapses or does not form fully, altering biomechanics and increasing strain on the ankle and hindfoot. This can contribute to fatigue, ankle injuries, and pain during prolonged standing or sports. Conversely, high arches may reduce shock absorption, placing additional stress on bones and soft tissues.
In many cases, structural differences are harmless. However, when they lead to pain or repeated injuries, treatment may include arch support, orthotic inserts, supportive footwear, or targeted exercises to improve alignment and function.
Acute Injuries: Sprains, Fractures, and Trauma
Acute injuries are sudden and often result from a specific event, such as twisting the ankle or landing awkwardly. Ankle sprains are the most common acute ankle injuries in teens, particularly in sports involving jumping, cutting, or uneven surfaces.
Ankle sprains occur when ligaments are stretched or torn, leading to pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight. While many sprains heal with proper care, returning to activity too soon can lead to chronic instability and recurring ankle injuries.
Fractures, including growth plate fractures, are also a concern in adolescents. Because growth plates are weaker than surrounding bones and ligaments, injuries that might cause a sprain in an adult can result in a fracture in a teen. Prompt evaluation is critical to ensure proper healing and prevent growth disturbances.
Less Common but Important Causes of Ongoing Pain
Some causes of foot and ankle pain in teens are less common but require careful attention. These include conditions such as tarsal coalition, where abnormal bone connections limit foot motion, and congenital deformities like vertical talus.
Neuromuscular conditions, such as cerebral palsy, can also affect foot and ankle alignment, leading to pain, stiffness, and difficulty with mobility. Inflammatory conditions, bone cysts, or aneurysms—though rare—must be ruled out when pain is persistent or unexplained.
Identifying these conditions early allows for appropriate diagnosis and treatment, minimizing long-term complications and preserving function.
When Foot or Ankle Pain Is a Red Flag
Not all pain is cause for alarm, but certain symptoms warrant prompt medical evaluation. Red flags include pain that lasts more than a few days, swelling or bruising, limping, inability to bear weight, pain at rest, or visible deformity.
If foot and ankle pain interferes with daily activities or sports, it’s important not to dismiss it as “growing pains.” Early assessment can prevent minor issues from becoming more serious injuries.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options for Teens
Accurate diagnosis and treatment begin with a thorough evaluation by a pediatric orthopedic specialist. This may include a physical exam, gait assessment, and imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI to evaluate bones, muscles, and soft tissues.
Most cases of foot and ankle pain in teens can be treated without surgery. Non-surgical options include rest, activity modification, physical therapy, stretching, anti-inflammatory measures, and supportive footwear or braces. In more severe cases, temporary immobilization with a CAM boot or cast may be recommended.
Surgical treatment is rare and reserved for cases involving severe deformities, fractures that do not heal properly, or conditions unresponsive to conservative care. The goal is always to restore function while protecting growth plates and long-term joint health.
Schedule a Consultation with The Pediatric Orthopedic Center
If your teen is experiencing persistent foot and ankle pain, expert evaluation can make all the difference. At The Pediatric Orthopedic Center, our specialists focus exclusively on children and adolescents, with extensive experience diagnosing and treating foot and ankle pain in teens.
With offices throughout northern New Jersey and decades of leadership in pediatric orthopedics, our team provides comprehensive care tailored to growing bodies. Early diagnosis and individualized treatment plans help teens recover safely and return to the activities they enjoy.
If you have concerns about your child’s foot or ankle pain, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with The Pediatric Orthopedic Center. Prompt care today can prevent bigger problems tomorrow and keep your teen moving comfortably and confidently.
