Growth Plate Injuries in Children Expert Pediatric Foot Care in Toronto
Growth Plate Injuries in Pediatric Foot Care: Causes, Treatment & Prevention
If your child complains of persistent foot pain after an injury or sports activity, they might have a growth plate injury, a common but often overlooked condition in children.
What Are Growth Plate Injuries?
Growth plates (physis) are soft cartilage areas near the ends of children’s bones where new bone forms. These plates are vulnerable to injury until they harden into solid bone during adolescence. Growth plate injuries account for 15–30% of childhood fractures, with the ankle and foot being common sites.
Why They Matter:
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- Growth plates determine bone length and shape.
- Untreated injuries can cause uneven limb growth or deformities.
- Early intervention is critical to prevent complications.
Causes of Growth Plate Injuries
- Acute Trauma
- Sports Injuries: Soccer, basketball, gymnastics (45% occur during sports).
- Falls or Twists: Ankle sprains from playgrounds or trampolines.
- Vehicle Accidents: Bicycle or car crashes.
- Overuse (Stress Injuries)
- Repetitive Stress: Running, dancing, or year-round sports.
- Poor Training Habits: Sudden increases in activity intensity.
- Medical Conditions
- Osteomyelitis: Bone infections affecting growth plates.
- Genetic Disorders: Skeletal dysplasias or endocrine diseases.
Your Feet Deserve Professional Care
Book your appointment today and take the first step toward healthier, pain-free feet.
Symptoms to Watch For
- Pain localized to the growth plate (often near ankle or heel).
- Swelling or warmth at the injury site.
- Difficulty Bearing Weight: Limping or refusal to walk.
- Deformity: Visible misalignment in severe cases.
Note: Pain that persists >48 hours after injury warrants evaluation.
Diagnosis & Classification
- Physical Exam
- Tenderness to touch over the growth plate.
- Limited range of motion in the affected foot/ankle.
- Imaging
- X-rays: Identify fractures (Salter-Harris classification).
- MRI/CT Scans: Detect subtle injuries in complex cases.
Salter-Harris Fracture Types
Type Description (Prognosis)
- Straight through growth plate – (Excellent with proper care)
- Through plate + metaphysics – (Good if aligned)
- Through plate + epiphysis – (Higher complication risk)
- Through plate, metaphysis, epiphysis – (Often requires surgery)
- Crush injury to plate – (Poor – growth arrest likely)
Treatment Options
- Non-Surgical Care
- Rest & Immobilization: Casts or boots for 3–6 weeks.
- RICE Protocol: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation.
- Physical Therapy: Restore strength and flexibility post-healing.
- Surgery
- Closed Reduction: Align bones without incision.
- Internal Fixation: Pins/plates for unstable fractures (Types III–V).
Healing Time: 4–8 weeks for most injuries; complex cases may take longer.
What Our Customers Say
I recently visited Footcare on Bay to get custom orthotics, and they’ve been life-changing. Dr. Ray took the time to carefully assess my needs, explain everything in detail, and answer all of my questions. The orthotics I received have made a huge difference in my daily life—my foot pain is practically gone, and I feel so much more comfortable whether I’m walking, standing, or exercising. If you’re looking for quality care and real results, Footcare on Bay is the place to go.
A year ago, I dropped a coffee cup on my toe, and it turned into a pain-in-the-toe nightmare with an ingrown toenail. After several appointments with Dr. John Ray, we finally decided to "take care of it" once and for all. I was terrified - like, sweaty-palms, full-on panic mode- but Dr. Ray was a total pro.
I’m so thankful for Dr. Ray’s skill and ability to make me feel relaxed and comfortable. Highly recommend him to anyone who needs toe TLC (and a calming presence to stop you from hyperventilating in the chair).
I have had an aggressive form of an ingrown toenail for many years. I've been to many hospitals, many hours of waiting & no doctor would help me. Dr. Ray did a awesome job, I highly recommend him.
My father has been to multiple foot clinics and his foot pain still persisted. Was recommended by one of his friends and I brought him in. I explained the frustrations to the doctor there and I appreciate his honesty and care for my father. He tried other methods to help with recovery and 3 weeks in, so far so good.
Highly recommended!
I hobbled into the clinic with terrible pain in my left foot . After 8 hours of Dr Ray's treatment, l was pain-free and walking normally. I am very grateful for Dr. Ray's expertise and care.
I came in a few weeks a go regarding my severe heel pain that I’ve been dealing with for over a year now. I saw Dr. Ray who examined my issue and scheduled me for a series of shockwave treatments followed by fitting for Custom Orthotics. I now walk pain free! Highly recommend for anyone suffering from foot pain.
I had heel pain and Dr. Ray made my Orthotics and it fixed my foot pain. Excellent service!
After a really bad experience at another clinic, I came here for orthotics and although I don’t have them yet, it was a great experience and look forward to working with this place!.
I have been coming for years to Footcare on Bay for my orthotics. Despite a recent change in ownership, their commitment to customer service and satisfaction continues to be unparalleled. If there is an issue with your orthotic, they will move heaven and earth to make it right. That kind of customer service is rare these days. Great orthodics, great staff, great customer service. If you need orthotics, this is the place to get them.
Prevention Strategies
For Parents & Coaches
- Footwear: Choose shoes with ankle support for high-impact sports.
- Cross-Training: Rotate activities to avoid overuse.
Strength Training: Focus on calf and foot muscles
For Young Athletes
- Warm up properly before games/practices.
- Report foot/ankle pain immediately-don’t “play through it.”
FAQs: Answering Parents’ Top Concerns
Can growth plate injuries cause one leg to be shorter?
Yes, if the injury disrupts the growth plate’s function (Types IV/V). Regular monitoring helps catch issues early.
How long until my child can play sports again?
Most return in 6–12 weeks after clearance from a pediatric orthopedist.
Are growth plate injuries more serious than broken bones?
Yes-they can affect future bone growth if mismanaged.
Do growth plate injuries show up on X-rays?
Sometimes. MRI may be needed if X-rays are normal but symptoms persist.
Can braces prevent these injuries?
Ankle braces reduce sprain risks in high-risk sports like basketball.
When to See a Pediatric Specialist
Seek immediate care if your child has:
- Inability to bear weight
- Visible deformity or severe swelling
- Persistent pain despite rest
- History of recurrent injuries
Long-Term Outlook
Most children recover fully with timely treatment. However, 5–10% of cases may develop complications like:
- Leg length discrepancy
- Angular deformities (e.g., knock-knees)
- Early arthritis
Regular follow-ups until skeletal maturity ensure proper growth.
Take Action: Protect Your Child’s Growth
Our pediatric foot specialists combine advanced diagnostics with personalized care plans to treat growth plate injuries and prevent long-term issues.
Growth plate injuries in children’s feet require prompt attention to ensure proper healing and prevent complications. By recognizing symptoms, seeking timely medical care, and following treatments like immobilization or physical therapy, parents can support their child’s recovery and return to activity.
Most injuries heal well with conservative care, allowing kids to resume running, jumping, and playing without lasting effects.
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