Question
My son just turned 7 and has recently begun travel soccer. He practices 3 hours a week and plays one game a week. During games he is rarely subbed out, and he is asked to take every kick his team gets. At the beginning of the season, he complained about both feet hurting badly after every practice. I assumed it was his cheap soccer cleats. I bought him an expensive, well-made pair of soccer cleats. This seemed to help until league games began. After every practice, game, and when getting up in the morning or after sitting for a long time, he complains about pain along the top of his left foot(He's a lefty.) When I press around on his foot, he has a definite painful spot between his big toe and second toe,about an inch down his foot. At times, he seems fine, but then he'll start complaining again. I've been giving him Motrin for the pain when it really bothers him, and after practice or games, he puts an ice pack on the foot. Could this possibly be a stress fracture? There is no obvious swelling, redness, or bruising. Thanks for your advice.

Answer
This Chicago Podiatrist, Elmhurst Podiatrist & South Loop Podiatrist says.......

Dear JoAnn,
For your son's foot pain-----
Take your shoes in and see a Board Certified Podiatrist who does orthopedics with kids.
Sometimes cleats can cause problems-especially for a seven year old. Also 3 hours of intense training & a competitive game may be too much for a seven year old.
Unfortunately, even "good shoes" don't always address a problem. Sounds like your son may have irritated his second metatarsophalangeal joint. Similar to metatarsalgia. Sometimes placement of pads or an orthotic can help. Also make sure he is not bruising that area with poor technique in his kicks. Check with the coach & observe.
Good Luck
Hope This Helps

Dr George Tsatsos & Svetlana Zats
Podiatrist Chicago 60618 & Elmhurst 60126 Podiatrists
Board Certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery & Orthopedics
New South Loop Location-Chicago 60661
AnkleNFoot.com
Runnersdoc.com
BabyFootDoc.com
LaserforToenails.com

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