How to Treat a Sprained Ankle in Kids
Sprained Ankle: What Ontario Parents Need to Know
Your child twisted their ankle and now they're limping and upset. A sprained ankle happens when the ligaments around the ankle joint get stretched or torn, and while it's painful and scary to watch, most ankle sprains heal well at home with the right care.
What's going on?
An ankle sprain occurs when your child's foot rolls, twists, or turns in an awkward way, stretching the tough bands of tissue (ligaments) that help hold the ankle bones together. Think of ligaments like strong rubber bands that can get overstretched.
This is incredibly common in kids and teens, especially those who play sports or are naturally active. The good news is that most ankle sprains are mild to moderate and heal completely with proper care at home.
What you might notice
- Pain around the ankle, especially when putting weight on it
- Swelling that develops quickly after the injury
- Bruising that may appear hours or days later
- Tenderness when you gently touch the area
- Difficulty walking or limping
- A feeling of instability or that the ankle might "give out"
What helps at home
Start with the RICE method right away. Rest means keeping weight off the ankle as much as possible. Ice should be applied for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, several times a day for the first few days (wrap ice in a thin towel to protect the skin). Compression with an elastic bandage can help reduce swelling, but don't wrap it too tightly. Elevation means propping the ankle up above heart level when sitting or lying down.
Over the counter pain relievers like children's ibuprofen can help with both pain and swelling. Acetaminophen works well for pain too. Your child should avoid walking on the injured ankle for the first day or two, then gradually return to normal activities as pain allows.
When to worry
Head to the emergency room if your child can't put any weight on the ankle at all, if the ankle looks deformed, if there's severe pain, or if the foot feels numb or cold.
Call your doctor or text Arlo if the pain isn't improving after a few days, if swelling gets worse instead of better, or if you're concerned about how your child is healing. We can help you figure out if everything is progressing normally.
The takeaway
Most ankle sprains heal beautifully with time and care. Your child will be back to their usual activities before you know it.
You can always text Arlo and talk to a provider in 5 minutes!
References
- [Ankle Sprains](https://www.caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/health-conditions-and-treatments/ankle_sprains) - Caring for Kids (Canadian Paediatric Society)
- [Sprained Ankle](https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/article?contentid=1114&language=english) - AboutKidsHealth (SickKids)
- [Sports Injuries](https://www.ontario.ca/page/sports-injuries) - Ontario.ca