Overview

An ankle may break (fracture) during sports, a fall, or other mishaps. 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 your child.

Your child may have had a sedative to help them 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.

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 the ankle unless your doctor tells you to. Your child will have to use crutches or a knee scooter to get around.
• Make sure your child follows instructions for exercises that can keep your child's leg strong.
• Ask your child to wiggle their toes often to reduce swelling and stiffness.