Ankle Sprains

Ankle injuries are the most common sports related injury seen by pediatricians. The ankle is most often injured as a result of “rolling” the ankle inward and spraining the supportive ligaments on the outside part of the ankle. This usually results in swelling, pain, and sometimes an inability for your child to bear weight. It is unusual in the older child for the ankle or foot bones to be fractured when rolling the ankle inward. However, you should seek medical care if your child’s ankle is swollen, tender, and/or she cannot bear weight on the ankle. The providers at East Cobb Pediatrics can examine the ankle and determine if an x-ray is necessary.

If you suspect an ankle sprain or your child has been diagnosed with an ankle sprain, you can begin care at home. Most sprains heal within 2 weeks. Your goal is to limit inflammation and swelling and keep the ankle flexible via: R.I.C.E. (rest, ice, compression, and elevation).
REST by stopping your child’s participation in sports and PE and using crutches if he cannot bear weight.
ICE by ice cup massage: fill a Styrofoam cup with water and freeze it, tear the top of the cup off and while holding the bottom of the cup, massage the ankle with the ice—do this several times a day for twenty minutes at a time.
Apply COMPRESSION with an ace bandage. An air cast or splint may be helpful as well.

ELEVATION by propping the foot up on pillows above the level of the heart. Lastly, limit inflammation by taking Aleve twice daily for two weeks. Rehabilitation by a licensed physical therapist or school trainer should be done to maintain flexibility and to improve strength in the ankle and prevent reinjury. Your child may return to activity if the ankle is not sore when touched, it is as strong as the uninjured ankle, and your child can stand with her eyes closed and balance on the injured ankle for 30 seconds.

By Tracy Barr, MD, FAAP