A swollen ankle, which can occur for a number of reasons, can be a painful hindrance for your child. Sprains and strains that lead to swelling are common in active children, and take some time to heal. It's important to determine the specific cause of your child's swollen ankle and how you can keep the swelling down.
Causes
Your child may be experiencing a sprain from twisting her ankle. Sprains occur when the ligament, a tissue that connects bones and joints, stretches or tears. A broken bone in the ankle is also likely to cause swelling. Prolonged standing and excess weight also can lead to swelling from fluid buildup in the ankles.
Other Symptoms
Noting your child's other symptoms can help you determine the cause of his ankle swelling. If your child's swollen ankle is the result of fluid buildup, he may not experience any other symptoms. If he is also experiencing pain or bruising, or has a hard time walking, an ankle sprain is more likely. If it is painful to put weight on the ankle, he may have a fracture.
Treatment
An ankle injury such as a sprain will need time to heal on its own, but you can reduce the swelling with rest, ice and elevation. Wrap a cold pack or a bag of frozen vegetables in a towel to protect your child's skin, and then apply the cold compress to her swollen ankle for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Encourage your child to stay off her swollen ankle as much as possible, and elevate it above her heart level.
Considerations
Children should not take aspirin, which can cause Reye's syndrome and lead to brain and liver damage. An anti-inflammatory pain reliever such as ibuprofen may be able to bring some of the swelling down, but check with his doctor before giving your child pain medications. Your child can resume normal activity after the swelling is gone, but in the meantime, call the doctor if his pain is severe or if he is unable to walk on his ankle.
