Foot and ankle injuries in the adolescent runner.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the increase in overuse injuries in the adolescent athlete, specifically sports-related injuries to the foot and ankle of the adolescent runner. Factors affecting these injuries include anatomic considerations, gender, rate of development, growth, training errors, shoe wear, and running surface.


RESULTS
Most injuries in adolescent runners are overuse injuries rather than sudden traumatic events. Adolescent athletes are as prone as adults to poor form, poor habits, and poor training patterns. In addition, anatomic variants in the hindfoot, midfoot, and forefoot may predispose an athlete to specific injury.


CONCLUSIONS
Adolescent running injuries are common and becoming more frequent as trainers and athletes place increasing demands on the growing body. There is no evidence that this increased demand produces long-term adverse effects; however, a significant amount of time can be lost to injuries unless training patterns are constructed to allow for repair of the adolescent athlete.
Kennedy
John G
JG
Department of Foot and Ankle Surgery, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York 10021, USA. Kennedyj@hss.edu
Knowles
Brenda
B
Dolan
Martin
M
Bohne
Walther
W
D000293:Adolescent; D016512:Ankle Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D012090:Cumulative Trauma Disorders / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D018409:Foot Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D012420:Running / Q000293:injuries*; D012737:Sex Factors; D012775:Shoes / Q000009:adverse effects