The road back to school and sport - How can my child avoid the pitfalls of pre-season training?

October 15, 2020

Thankfully we seem to be over the initial threat of COVID-19 and as things return to some semblance of normal and some restrictions are relaxed, we hopefully will see a return to team sport for our kids. 

And because the usual pre-season training didn’t get a chance to take place, our kids may be wanting to take off full throttle. At Junction Foot and Ankle Group we know all about overuse injuries which can occur in kids just as well as adults. These can be quite painful and distressing for your young athlete.

It's important parents and coaches transition kids into team sports with ease. Despite the many opportunities for online exercise which our kids may have been involved with over the last few weeks, most of them have come off the back of a lazy period, where they have been relaxing, eating you out of house and home and growing like weeds. Soon they may get the call to front up to training and everyone will be super keen to get back into shape.

To understand what is happening we need to unpack the relationship between training and children a bit more.

Training Load
Load is the term we use for the amount of activity performed. Risk of injury increases with quite small changes in load. A recent high-quality review paper (Windt, J & Gabbett, T, 2017) reinforced the traditional view that when weekly load changes by 10-15% there is a significant increase in injury risk.

Children
Children typically have two growth spurts. When this occurs their bones grow rapidly, the soft tissues around those bones adapt and lengthen over the next couple of months. While the soft tissues are catching up, they are under slightly more stress.
The perfect storm happens when kids start pre-season training after a summer of inactivity whilst undergoing a growth spurt. The two most common injuries in this situation are:

  • Sever’s disease – or heel pain in kids, and
  • Osgood Schlatter’s disease – or knee pain in kids

Both these conditions are the same problem occurring in different locations. Despite their scary name, they are definitely not diseases.

Walking on Eggshells: Jane's Story

By Asha Curry • May 6, 2025
When Jane turned 58, she started noticing a bump forming on the side of her big toe. At first, it didn’t bother her much — just a little rubbing in her shoes. But over time, her bunion got bigger, and her second toe started curling upwards. It wasn’t long before even short walks became painful. She thought the pain was “just part of getting older,” but her knees and hips had started aching too. Why? Because her body was compensating for her sore feet. Jane's gait (the way she walked) had changed, putting extra pressure on other joints. She also started feeling less steady on her feet, especially when barefoot or in slippers. Finding shoes was another challenge — nothing seemed to fit comfortably anymore. Fashion took a back seat to function, and even then, her shoes still hurt by the end of the day. Eventually, Jane reached out for help. What Are Bunions and Hammer Toes? Bunions are bony bumps at the base of the big toe that cause the toe to shift out of alignment. Hammer toes are bent, curled toes that can develop from the pressure caused by bunions or from muscle imbalances. Both conditions can cause pain, difficulty walking, and trouble finding shoes that fit. What Can Be Done? Thankfully, Jane had options. Non-surgical treatment included: - Custom orthoses (prescription shoe inserts) to support her feet and reduce pressure. - Footwear advice to help find supportive, comfortable shoes. - Stretching and strengthening exercises to help improve balance and foot function. In some cases these options are not enough to provide symptom relief, and in Jane’s case, she explored surgical correction as her activities of daily living were being affected. Our Podiatric Surgeons explained the procedure clearly, and helped Jane understand how surgery could relieve pain, correct the deformity, and help her walk comfortably again. Ready to Take the First Step? If your feet are holding you back like Jane’s were, let’s talk. ✅ Book an appointment with one of our non-surgical podiatrists for a full assessment and personalised treatment plan. ✅ Or, if you’d like to explore surgical options, you can book a consultation with one of our Podiatric Surgeons, Julie Taranto or Michael Taranto.

What to Expect During Your Post-Operative Recovery

By Asha Curry • February 4, 2025
At MJ Taranto, we understand undergoing surgery can feel overwhelming, and we want you to know that at our clinic, your recovery and well-being are our top priorities. Our team is passionate about providing the best experience for every patient, and we go above and beyond to ensure you feel supported every step of the way. What Makes Our Care Unique? Personalised Attention: After your surgery, you won’t just see a nurse—you will see your surgeon for all your post-operative care. This means that every redress, check-up, and follow-up is handled by the person who knows your case best: your surgeon. Direct Access: We believe in open communication. If you have concerns or questions during your recovery, you can contact us personally, even outside of clinic hours. We’re here for you when you need us most. Dedicated Administrative Support: Our clinic has staff members who specialise in supporting our surgical patients. From the moment you decide to proceed with surgery, our dedicated administrative team will guide you through the entire process. They will help you prepare for surgery, answer any questions you may have, and ensure you feel confident and informed every step of the way. Full Investment in Your Recovery: Your recovery is a journey, and we are fully committed to helping you every step of the way. From pre-operative education to detailed recovery plans, we ensure you’re well-informed and confident in your progress. What to Expect During Recovery While every patient’s recovery timeline is unique, here are some general guidelines to help you plan: Initial Healing: The first few weeks are focused on wound healing and managing swelling. We will guide you on how to care for your surgical site and keep you comfortable. Gradual Return to Activities: Over the next few months, we’ll work together to help you safely return to your normal activities. This timeline will be tailored to your specific surgery and progress. Long-Term Recovery: Full recovery from most surgeries can take 12 to 18 months. During this time, we will monitor your progress and address any concerns that arise. Patience is key, but rest assured, we’re with you for the long haul. Pre-Operative and Post-Operative Communication Communication is at the heart of what we do. Before your surgery, we will provide you with detailed information about what to expect, including a recovery timeline. Knowing what lies ahead can make a big difference in how you approach your recovery. After your surgery, our lines of communication remain open. Whether it’s a question about your recovery, guidance on wound care, or simply reassurance, you can count on us to be available and responsive. Our Commitment to Excellence At our clinic, you’re not just another patient—you’re part of our care family. From the moment you walk through our doors to the final stages of your recovery, we are dedicated to providing one-on-one care that’s second to none. Your health, comfort, and satisfaction are our top priorities.