Ankle Injuries and Young Athletes
Sports Medicine Program
When your child suffers an ankle injury, they need prompt medical attention from experienced providers who know how to care for growing kids. Phoenix Children’s can get them back in action.
What is an ankle sprain?
Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments that connect bones are stretched or torn. Sprained ankles commonly occur when children roll, twist or turn their ankles in an awkward way.
- Grade 1: ligament is overstretched (mild sprain)
- Grade 2: ligament is partially torn
- Grade 3: ligament is completely torn
How do I know if my child has an ankle sprain?
The most common symptoms of an ankle sprain include:
- Pain, ranging from mild to severe
- Swelling, in a specific area or the whole ankle
- Bruising, usually at the injured area
- Loss of range of motion of the ankle
- Trouble standing or putting weight on the ankle
Does my child need medical attention for an ankle sprain?
Please see a pediatric provider if your child is having difficulty standing, walking or putting weight on the injured ankle.
How is an ankle sprain diagnosed?
Your pediatric provider will:
- Review health history
- Examine the injured ankle
They may also order X-rays to check for a fractured or broken bone or another medical complication.
How should an ankle sprain be treated?
As soon as an ankle injury occurs, initiate RICE — Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation:
- Rest and protect the injured ankle.
- Apply ice or a cold pack on the injured area for 20 minutes, several times a day, to reduce pain and swelling.
- Wrap the injured area with a medical bandage to reduce swelling (not too tight!).
- Elevate the injured area while applying ice, or whenever a child is sitting or lying down, to reduce pain and swelling.
You can give your child an over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication — like aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen — to help reduce discomfort and swelling.
Your child’s provider may recommend an ankle brace, crutches or a walking boot to support the injured ankle during the healing process.
When can my child return to physical activities?
A child may return to physical activities when he or she:
- Has full range of motion and strength in the ankle
- Has been cleared by a provider (if one was seen)
- Can walk, run and jump without pain or limping
How can a child prevent future sprains?
To prevent ankle sprains:
- Always warm up before playing sports or enjoying physical activities.
- Work on ankle flexibility and strength for injury-prone ankles. A physical therapist can assist.
- Apply an ankle brace before any physical activity to reduce risk of a repeated injury.
Where can I find medical care for my child’s ankle injury?
Phoenix Children’s offers urgent and non-urgent options for treating concussion and other head injuries.
- Urgent Care – for injuries after hours and on weekends (seven days a week, 5-11 p.m.)
- Sports Medicine – for pediatric-specific sports medicine and physical therapy (every weekday during normal business hours)