Sports Injuries in Children: Assessment & Treatment

Helping Active Children Enjoy The Sports They Love

Sport plays an important role in childhood.

Whether it's football, rugby, dance, gymnastics, running, tennis or simply playing with friends, being active helps support physical health, confidence, resilience and overall wellbeing.

However, growing bodies are subjected to significant demands. Bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments are constantly developing and adapting to increasing activity levels.

As a result, aches, pains and injuries can sometimes occur.

At Callen Olive, we regularly assess and support active children and teenagers experiencing foot, ankle and lower limb pain. Our goal is not simply to treat injuries, but to help young athletes move well, recover safely and continue enjoying the activities they love.

Why Do Sports Injuries Develop In Children?

Children are not simply small adults.

Their bodies are continually changing throughout childhood and adolescence. During periods of rapid growth, muscles, tendons and bones do not always develop at the same rate.

Several factors may contribute to pain and injury:

• Growth spurts

• Rapid increases in training

• Playing multiple sports

• Repetitive loading

• Reduced recovery time

• Foot biomechanics

• Hypermobility

• Previous injuries

• Muscle weakness or imbalance

• Footwear

• Changes in training surfaces

Often, there is no single cause, and several factors may contribute to symptoms.

Common Sports Injuries In Children

We regularly assess children and teenagers experiencing:

Knee Pain

Pain around or beneath the kneecap is common in active children and may become noticeable during running, football, climbing stairs or prolonged activity.

Shin Splints

Pain along the inside of the shin often develops gradually and may be associated with running, football, dance and repetitive impact activities.

Ankle Pain & Instability

Repeated ankle sprains or feelings of weakness and instability can affect confidence and participation in sport.

Hypermobility & Joint Pain

Children with hypermobility may experience:

• Tired legs

• Aching feet

• Muscle fatigue

• Recurrent sprains

• Balance difficulties

• Pain after activity

Forefoot Pain

Pain beneath the ball of the foot may occur following repetitive loading and can affect running, jumping and change-of-direction activities.

Recurrent Lower Limb Pain

Some children develop recurring aches and pains that only occur during sport or increase as activity levels rise.

Understanding why symptoms have developed often provides valuable insight into the most appropriate treatment approach.

Signs Your Child May Benefit From Assessment

You may notice your child:

• Complains of pain during or after sport

• Frequently asks to stop activities

• Begins limping after exercise

• Regularly experiences sprains or injuries

• Has become less active

• Avoids activities they previously enjoyed

• Appears less confident during sport

• Frequently says their legs feel tired or achy

• Struggles to keep up with friends or teammates

Pain should not simply be accepted as a normal part of being active.

Why Early Assessment Matters

Many sports injuries develop gradually.

Children often continue participating despite discomfort and may not mention symptoms until pain begins affecting their enjoyment of sport.

Early assessment may help:

• Identify contributing factors

• Reduce pain

• Support recovery

• Prevent recurring injuries

• Improve movement efficiency

• Restore confidence

• Help children continue participating in sport

• Support long-term foot and lower limb health

At Callen Olive, we believe helping children remain active is one of the most important investments in their future health and wellbeing.

How We Assess Young Athletes

Assessment focuses on understanding your child's symptoms, sporting activities and movement patterns.

This may include:

• Detailed medical history

• Sporting and activity history

• Clinical examination

• Foot posture assessment

• Lower limb alignment assessment

• Biomechanical assessment

• OptoGait gait analysis

• Mobility and flexibility testing

• Functional movement assessment

• Footwear assessment

This allows us to identify why symptoms may have developed and create a personalised management plan.

Supporting Young Athletes

Every child is different.

Treatment recommendations depend on your child's symptoms, age, activity levels and sporting goals.

Biomechanical Assessment

Understanding how your child moves often provides valuable insight into the source of symptoms.

OptoGait Gait Analysis

Advanced gait analysis helps us assess walking and running mechanics and identify movement patterns that may be contributing to symptoms.

Rehabilitation Programmes

Targeted exercises may help improve strength, balance, flexibility and movement control.

Footwear Advice

Appropriate footwear can often improve comfort and provide valuable support during activity.

Activity Modification

Temporary adjustments to training loads may help support recovery whilst allowing children to remain as active as possible.

Custom Foot Orthotics

For selected children, custom foot orthotics may help improve foot function and reduce excessive stress through painful structures.

Our goal is always to support healthy movement and help children participate in the activities they enjoy with greater comfort and confidence.

Sport Is About More Than Competition

For children, sport often provides:

• Friendships

• Confidence

• Teamwork

• Physical fitness

• Mental wellbeing

• Resilience

• Independence

• Lifelong healthy habits

Helping children stay active today helps support their health and wellbeing tomorrow.

Why Choose Callen Olive?

We Care.

We understand how important sport and activity are to children and their families.

Our experienced clinicians combine clinical expertise, biomechanics and personalised care to help young athletes understand why symptoms have developed and support them in returning to the activities they enjoy.

Because healthy feet support active, happy and confident children.

Healthy Feet. Healthy Body. Healthy Mind.

Treatment Fees

No two children are the same.

That's why every assessment is tailored to your child's individual needs, symptoms and stage of development. Following your assessment, your clinician will explain the findings and discuss the most appropriate management options.

Our focus is always on helping your child achieve the best possible outcome for their comfort, confidence and long-term wellbeing.

New Patient Biomechanics Assessment: £180

New Patient Biomechanics Assessment with Principal Podiatrist: £225

Our team will support your family throughout every stage of your child's care to ensure you feel informed, reassured and cared for.

If you are unsure which appointment is most suitable, our Patient Care Team will be happy to help.

Call us on +44 333 305 8347.

Related Conditions

• Hypermobility

• Knee Pain

• Shin Splints

• Ankle Instability

• Growing Pains

• Children's Lower Limb Pain

Related Treatments

• Children's Biomechanical Assessment

• OptoGait Gait Analysis

• Custom Foot Orthotics

• Rehabilitation Programmes

• Footwear Assessment

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal for children to experience pain after sport?

Occasional muscle soreness can be normal. Persistent, recurring or activity-limiting pain should be assessed.

Can biomechanics contribute to sports injuries?

Yes. The way a child's feet and lower limbs move may influence how forces travel through the body and contribute to certain injuries.

Can children become injured from doing too much sport?

Rapid increases in activity, multiple sports and insufficient recovery may sometimes contribute to overuse injuries.

Does my child need to stop playing sport?

Not necessarily. Many children can remain active with appropriate advice, treatment and temporary adjustments to training.

Can sports injuries affect confidence?

Absolutely. Pain and recurring injuries can affect confidence, enjoyment and willingness to participate in activities.

Helping Young Athletes Stay Active

Whether your child is experiencing recurring injuries, struggling with pain during sport or simply wants to move with greater comfort and confidence, our experienced team is here to help.

Book your child's assessment today and help them continue enjoying the activities they love.

Move with comfort, confidence and ease.