Ankle Sprain

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Ankle sprains can really slow kids and teens down. At Cook Children's, our goal is make sure that your child's treatment is based on their body and the severity of the sprain. That way, we can help them get back to their activities as quickly as possible.

An ankle sprain is when the ligaments that support the ankle get overly stretched or torn. It can happen when you step in a hole, twist your ankle while walking or running, or put your weight down on your foot awkwardly.

When most ankle sprains happen, the ankle is flexed and inverted (the foot turned inward toward the opposite foot). Ankle sprains are common, making up 25% of all sports-related injuries.

With rest and proper treatment, most ankle sprains heal within 4–6 weeks. But some can take longer.

The signs of an ankle sprain depend on how serious it is. Common symptoms include:

Pain
Soreness
Swelling
Trouble bearing weight or walking on the ankle
Bruising

Most ankle sprains happen when the ankle twists, or when the foot rolls onto its side. Most happen during athletic activities. But you don't have to be playing sports to injure an ankle — sprains can happen from taking an awkward step or tripping on the stairs. anklesprain-400x381-rd1-enil-main

Sprains can happen from twisting the foot, tipping over an item or stepping off a curb or step.

To diagnose ankle sprains, doctors ask about the injury and do an exam. They'll check the bones and soft tissue of the ankle, watch your child's range of motion, and do strength tests.

Sometimes, the doctor may order an X-ray or other imaging study to see if there are other injuries, such as a broken bone.

Treatment for an ankle sprains usually includes:

Protecting the ankle by taping, wearing a lace-up ankle brace, or ankle splint
Rest to prevent reinjury and limit swelling. How long somebody needs to take it easy depends on the injury. If no ligaments tore, 10–14 days might be long enough
Pain medicine
Treatments to help with swelling such as:
- Ice wrapped in a towel placed on the area for about 20 minutes every 1–2 hours
- An elastic bandage wrapped around the area or elastic sleeve to provide compression
- Raising the injured area
- Warm compresses or a heating pad (only after the swelling goes down)
When the pain and swelling are better, stretching exercises
Before returning to activity, strengthening exercises

Doctors may treat a more serious ankle sprain with a splint or temporary cast. Very rarely, a person might need surgery.

If your child has an ankle sprain, they'll probably need to take some time off from sports and other strenuous physical activities. Sprains usually heal well, but they need time to get fully better. Make sure your child's sprained ankle is completely healed before returning to full activities by ensuring the following:

The swelling goes down.
The sport does not cause pain.
The doctor says it's OK.
The ankle can bear weight without a limp.
The ankle has full range of motion.
Your child's ankle strength returns to normal.

It's impossible to prevent all ankle sprains. But these tips can make another one less likely:

Stretch regularly to keep ankles flexible.
Do ankle range of motion and strengthening exercises to keep your muscles strong.
Always warm up before playing sports, exercising, or doing any other kind of physical activity.
Watch where they're walking or running on uneven or cracked surfaces.
Don't overdo things. Being tired can make an injury more likely.
Use tape, lace-up ankle braces, or high-top shoes to support the ankle.
Wear shoes that fit well. Tie any laces and close any Velcro or other straps to make the shoes as supportive as possible.
Don't wear shoes with high heels.
Not overdo things is key when it comes to sprains.
Follow the doctor's advice and don't feel pressure to get back into sports or other activities too soon.

We're here to help.

If you'd like to schedule an appointment, refer a patient or speak with us, please call our main office at 682-885-4405. You can also reach out to one of our clinic locations.

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Ankle Sprain

What is an ankle sprain?

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of an Ankle Sprain?

What Causes Ankle Sprains?

How Are Ankle Sprains Diagnosed?

How are ankle sprains treated?

When can your child return to activities?

Are there ways to prevent a sprained ankle?

We're here to help.

Ask a librarian