You want to protect your child as a parent, but accidents can happen no matter how careful you are. Sprained ankles are common injuries among children. If you suspect your child has sprained their ankle, our expert Nevada Orthopedic & Spine Center team can help.
Ankles have ligaments to prevent excessive movement. An ankle sprain results from those ligaments tearing or stretching too far.
Signs and symptoms of an ankle sprain include:
There is often an audible popping or snapping sound when the injury occurs.
If you think your child sprained their ankle, take immediate action to minimize swelling and relieve pain using the RICE method:
Have your child stop physical activity and avoid putting weight on the injured ankle.
Apply an ice pack to the affected area for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours within the first 24 hours after the injury. Cover the ice pack in a cloth.
Wrap the ankle with an elastic bandage to provide gentle compression that supports the joint and reduces swelling.
Have your child prop their leg on a pillow while resting to reduce swelling.
If the injury seems severe or has not improved after 24 hours, bring your child to Nevada Orthopedic for an examination.
You should have your child’s ankle examined if you suspect a sprain. Our Fast Track Clinic offers same-day appointments for acute injuries. Our compassionate team of orthopedic specialists can evaluate the severity of the sprain, perform diagnostic testing, and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.
If your child’s injury is severe, we may recommend one or more imaging scans. Common imaging tests for ankle injuries include:
Imaging scans rule out or confirm a broken bone and give our team a more detailed view so we can assess the severity of ligament damage.
The treatment for a sprained ankle will depend on the severity of the injury. Your child’s customized ankle sprain treatment plan may include a brace, cast, or walking boot to immobilize the ankle and promote healing.
Over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription medications manage inflammation and pain during healing.
Once your child's sprained ankle has healed, taking preventive measures and reducing the risk of future injuries is crucial. Our team provides guidance on proper warm-up exercises, stretching techniques, and footwear choices to help prevent ankle sprains and ensure a safe return to physical activities.
If your child has suffered an ankle injury, our Nevada Orthopedic & Spine Center team is here to help. Call us today or schedule an appointment online at our Henderson or Las Vegas, Nevada, office.
