Broken Ankle in Children

Care Instructions

An ankle may break (fracture) during sports or a fall. Fractures can range from a small, hairline crack, to a bone or bones broken into two or more pieces. Your child's treatment depends on how bad the break is. 

Your doctor may have put your child's ankle in a splint or cast to allow it to heal or to keep it stable until you can see another doctor. It may take weeks or months for your child's ankle to heal. You can help your child's ankle heal with some care at home.

Healthy habits can help your child heal. Give your child a variety of healthy foods. And don't smoke around him or her.

Your child may have had a sedative to help him or her relax. Your child may be unsteady after having sedation. It takes time (sometimes a few hours) for the medicine's effects to wear off. Common side effects of sedation include nausea, vomiting, and feeling sleepy or cranky.

The doctor has checked your child carefully, but problems can develop later. If you notice any problems or new symptoms, get medical treatment right away.

Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse call line if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.

How can you care for your child at home?

• Put ice or a cold pack on your child's ankle for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Try to do this every 1 to 2 hours for the next 3 days (when your child is awake). Put a thin cloth between the ice and your child's cast or splint. Keep the cast or splint dry.

• Follow the cast care instructions your doctor gives you. If your child has a splint, do not take it off unless your doctor tells you to.

• Be safe with medicines. Give pain medicines exactly as directed.

• If the doctor gave your child a prescription medicine for pain, give it as prescribed.

• If your child is not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if your child can take an over-the-counter medicine.

• Prop up your child's leg on pillows in the first few days after the injury. Keep the ankle higher than the level of your child's heart. This will help reduce swelling.

• Do not let your child put weight on his or her ankle unless your doctor tells you to. Your child will have to use crutches to walk.

• Make sure your child follows instructions for exercises that can keep his or her leg strong.

• Ask your child to wiggle his or her toes often to reduce swelling and stiffness.

Source: myhealth

RIVERA FOOT & ANKLE: At Orlando H.Rivera DPM, our priority is to deliver quality care to informed patients in a comfortable and convenient setting. When you have problems with your feet, you need to turn to a podiatrist who listens and responds… an experienced doctor who knows the field and can effectively diagnose and treat your needs… a friendly physician who counsels you on the best ways to maintain and improve your health. Our physician(s) meet all these criteria. Plus, you benefit from a dedicated team of trained professionals who give you the individualized attention you deserve.

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