Getting Ready For School Sports: Understanding Your Options with Sports Medicine

As a new school year approaches, young athletes across the Pacific Northwest are gearing up for the fall sports season. Whether your child is stepping onto the soccer field, the football field, or the cross-country trail, preparing their body is the first step toward a safe and successful season. 

At Washington Foot & Ankle Sports Medicine in Kirkland, Washington, our experienced foot and ankle surgeons, Dr. Lawrence Maurer, DPM, and Dr. Peter M. Vincent, DPM, are here to support your family. We specialize in comprehensive sports medicine and pediatric foot care to keep young feet and ankles moving safely.

The importance of early preparation

Waiting until the first day of practice to think about injury prevention is a common mistake that can lead to early setbacks. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, scheduling a preparticipation evaluation at least six weeks before the season starts gives healthcare providers enough time to identify and address potential risk factors.

It’s important to note that a school-required sports physical focuses primarily on general medical clearance, such as screening heart and lung health. While that exam is mandatory to step onto the field, it may not catch subtle foot and leg mechanics that cause overuse injuries.

In addition to your child’s required physical, our specialized sports medicine team performs a detailed biomechanical evaluation to check your child’s gait, arch structure, and joint alignment. This proactive approach helps us catch issues like flat feet or tight tendons before they turn into painful injuries like shin splints or heel pain on the field. 

We’ll work with you to build a personalized plan — including custom orthotics or shoe recommendations — that keeps your student-athlete active and pain-free all season long. 

Understanding overuse injuries in young athletes

 Many parents assume that sports injuries only happen during sudden collisions, but repetitive strain is actually a much more common culprit. In fact, the Cleveland Clinic (2026) reports that overuse injuries account for more than 50% of all sports-related medical visits for young athletes.

Conditions like shin splints, heel pain, and Achilles tendonitis often develop when a growing athlete repeats the same movements without enough rest. Our specialized pediatric podiatrist services focus on diagnosing these subtle issues early and creating custom recovery plans. We want to help your child heal fully so they don’t face chronic issues later.

How custom orthotics and biomechanics can help

Every athlete moves differently, and sometimes a simple structural imbalance can place extra stress on growing bones and joints. By analyzing your child’s unique movement patterns, we can determine if they would benefit from custom orthotics to improve their foot function.

These personalized shoe inserts support the arches, distribute pressure evenly, and absorb shock during high-impact activities. Combined with targeted stretching and strength training, they provide a strong foundation that helps prevent injuries and improve overall athletic performance. It’s an easy way to give your child’s feet the support they need.

Preparing for school sports is about more than just buying new gear; it’s about protecting your child’s long-term mobility. If you want to ensure your young athlete is ready for a safe, active season, contact our office today to schedule an evaluation with our team.