Ankle Sprain's in Children: How to Treat

Ankle sprains are on of the most common injuries we see in children. Children these days are part of so many sport teams and don't forget gym class... What causes an ankle sprain??

Most of the time an ankle sprain is caused by a twist or blow to the ankle causing the ankle to turn at abnormal angles. There are three ligaments that are on the outside of the ankle that are commonly injured. The job of these ligaments is to hold the ankle in a neutral position. Once these ligaments have been injured the ankle can become weak and instability can occur.

Often times the first symptom of an ankle sprain will be swelling, often the size of a golf ball. Most of the time once the swelling goes away parents, children and even coaches think they are healed and it is okay to get back to activities. This is way to soon!!!

An ankle sprain affects the balance of your ankle and the ankle ligaments need time to heal and become strong again. Getting back to activities to soon makes re-injury more likely and you run the risk of having a weak and unstable ankle.

Other symptoms of an ankle sprain are pain, bruising, stiffness in the joint, and pin point tenderness.

So you think you have sprained your ankle.. How do you treat?

The treatment of an ankle sprain depends on the severity of the sprain. Initial treatment should always include rest, ice, elevation and compression. Anti-inflammatory can be helpful for reduction of swelling and pain. Most times the ankle is weak and needs to be immobilized. A lace up ankle brace or soft cast may be necessary to help the ankle rest, regain strength, and return to activities pain free. Long term instability can be prevented with physical therapy.

If you have fallen down and gone boom, make sure you have your child evaluated by a Podiatrist who can give you the recommendations on how to get your child back to full activity and participating in the sports he or she loves.