The legs and feet of child athletes are very different to that of the adult sportsman or woman. Bone and muscle structures are still growing and will continue to grow until their late teens. During this time, controlled and supervised exercise and sport is essential for the health growth and maturation of the child's lower limbs. However, excessive exercise may prove detrimental to the normal development of the athletic child.

Body posture is greatly controlled by our lower limbs. If a child has some form of foot or leg mal-alignment, it is possible that sport will increase the effect of this imbalance. Normal walking may not upset the situation; it may only be aggravated and displayed during the rigours of exercise. Podiatrists are health professionals trained to examine the child's lower limbs, diagnose and treat the problem and try to prevent the condition progressing.

Many of the type of injuries seen involve the growth centres of bone (epiphyses). Epiphyses are soft areas of cartilage. If traumatised by the shock stresses of running, or by the pull of muscles and ligaments, the epiphyses may be damaged in some way. If this happens, temporary or even permanent deformity to the child's legs and feet may result.

For the parents of a sporting child, there are several important things to do when caring for the child's feet and legs:

1. Look - for any unusual changes in the child's walking or running.
2. Listen - to any persistent complaints of aches, pains, etc.
3. Remember - what you have seen and heard.
4. Consult - your Podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment