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How can you care for your child who has a dislocated ankle?
- 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. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
- 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 may have to use crutches or a knee scooter to get around.
- Have your child wiggle their toes often to reduce swelling and stiffness.
Dislocated ankle in children: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think your child may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- Your child has trouble breathing. Symptoms may include:
- Using the belly muscles to breathe.
- The chest sinking in or the nostrils flaring when your child struggles to breathe.
- Your child is very sleepy and is hard to wake up.
- Your child passes out (loses consciousness).
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- Your child has new or worse nausea or vomiting.
- Your child has new or worse pain.
- Your child's foot is cool or pale or changes color.
- Your child has tingling, weakness, or numbness in the foot or toes.
- Your child's cast or splint feels too tight.
- Your child has signs of a blood clot in the leg (called a deep vein thrombosis), such as:
- Pain in the calf, back of the knee, thigh, or groin.
- Redness or swelling in the leg.
Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- Your child has a problem with their splint or cast.
- Your child does not get better as expected.
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The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.