A high ankle sprain, also referred to as a syndesmosis sprain, often occurs during athletic participation in children. According to Children's Medical Center in Dallas, a high ankle sprain is often the result of another athlete falling on the back of a child's ankle. This causes the ankle to push again the talus bone, in the rear of the foot, which can cause damage to the outside and middle ligaments of the ankle. To prevent chronic ankle instability and pain in children, high ankle sprains need to be treated.
Step 1
Stop sports participation or physical activity as soon a your child is injured. Look for signs of a high ankle sprain. Pain, swelling, limited range of motion, trouble walking and bruising are all indicators of a high ankle sprain. Pain is often located in the front portion of your child's ankle.
Step 2
Visit your child's doctor. A physical examination of the ankle, a medical history and an X-ray to rule out fractures can help diagnose a high ankle sprain.
Step 3
Follow the treatment orders of your child's doctor, who may provide a brace, walking boot or crutches to help promote healing of the ankle. You may be instructed to have your child ice his ankle for 15 minutes at a time every two to four hours. Anti-inflammatory medications and elevating the ankle can also be helpful. Take your child to physical therapy, if necessary. A physical therapist can help control pain and increase strength, balance and mobility in your child's ankle.
Step 4
Attend follow-up appointments with your child's doctor. Children's Memorial Hospital Institute for Sports Medicine in Chicago says healing can take up to six weeks for mild to moderate sprains. More severe sprains may take several months to fully recover from, especially if surgery is required.
Step 5
Allow your child to return to sports or physical activity when she is pain-free and at the discretion of your doctor.
