Young athletes push their limits on the field, court, and track every day — and sometimes, their bodies pay the price. Foot and ankle injuries are among the most common sports-related injuries in children and adolescents, and without proper care, they can affect growth, development, and long-term mobility. At Momentum Foot & Ankle in Boynton Beach, we provide expert, compassionate care designed specifically for young, active patients throughout Palm Beach County.
Dr. Christopher Zimmer is a fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeon with specialized experience in pediatric foot and ankle pathology. During his residency at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center, Dr. Zimmer evaluated and managed more than 300 pediatric foot and ankle patients — giving him a deep understanding of how growing bones, developing tendons, and active young bodies require a different approach than adult care. His evidence-based training, peer-reviewed research, and academic contributions ensure that your child receives the right diagnosis and the most appropriate treatment from the very first visit.
Common Pediatric Sports Injuries We Treat
Children’s feet and ankles are uniquely vulnerable during periods of rapid growth. Open growth plates, developing tendons, and high activity levels create a combination that increases injury risk. Common conditions we treat include:
- Ankle sprains and ligament injuries
- Growth plate (physeal) fractures
- Sever’s disease (calcaneal apophysitis)
- Stress fractures of the foot and ankle
- Achilles tendon injuries and tendinitis
- Turf toe and toe injuries
- Osteochondral lesions of the ankle
- Overuse injuries and sports-related tendinopathy
Signs & Symptoms to Watch For
Children don’t always communicate pain the way adults do. If your child is complaining about foot or ankle discomfort — or if you’ve noticed changes in the way they walk, run, or participate in sports — it’s worth having them evaluated. Watch for:
- Persistent heel, arch, or ankle pain during or after activity
- Swelling, bruising, or tenderness around the foot or ankle
- Limping or reluctance to bear weight
- Decreased performance or avoidance of physical activity
- Pain that worsens with running, jumping, or pivoting
Diagnosis & Evaluation
Accurate diagnosis is essential — especially in children, where growth plates can appear similar to fractures on imaging. Dr. Zimmer performs a thorough physical examination combined with appropriate imaging studies, including X-rays and advanced imaging when needed. Because pediatric anatomy differs significantly from adult anatomy, we take a careful, precise approach to ensure nothing is missed and every treatment decision is well-informed.
Treatment Options for Young Athletes
Our goal is always to restore function, reduce pain, and return your child to the activities they love — safely. Most pediatric sports injuries respond well to conservative care, which may include:
- Immobilization with a boot, splint, or cast
- Custom orthotics or supportive footwear recommendations
- Physical therapy and guided rehabilitation exercises
- Activity modification and structured return-to-sport protocols
- Anti-inflammatory measures and pain management strategies
When surgery is necessary — such as in displaced growth plate fractures or osteochondral lesions — Dr. Zimmer brings fellowship-level surgical expertise to ensure the best possible outcome for your child.
Understanding Growth Plate Injuries
One of the most critical distinctions in pediatric sports medicine is the presence of growth plates — areas of developing cartilage near the ends of bones where growth occurs. Injuries to these areas require prompt, precise attention. Left untreated or improperly managed, growth plate fractures can interfere with normal bone development. Dr. Zimmer has dedicated training and award-winning research in growth plate injury management, giving families confidence that their child is in highly qualified hands.
Why Choose Momentum Foot & Ankle
At Momentum Foot & Ankle, we believe every young athlete deserves personalized care — not a one-size-fits-all approach. Dr. Zimmer takes time to educate both patients and parents, walking through the diagnosis, all available treatment options, and realistic expectations for recovery. We accept most major insurance plans and offer convenient appointments for families throughout Boynton Beach and Palm Beach County.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Don’t let a foot or ankle injury keep your child on the sidelines longer than necessary. Contact us today to schedule an evaluation and take the first step toward a safe, full recovery. Call (561) 369-4455 or request an appointment online — we’re here to help your young athlete get back to doing what they love.
