WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What is an ankle fracture in children? An ankle fracture is a break in 1 or more of the bones in your child's ankle. What causes an ankle fracture in children? - Twisting or falling on the ankle
- A car accident
- A direct blow to the ankle
What are the signs and symptoms of an ankle fracture in children? - Pain, tenderness, and swelling
- Bruised or deformed ankle
- Trouble moving or putting weight on the ankle or foot
How is an ankle fracture in children diagnosed? Your child's healthcare provider will ask about his injury and examine him. An x-ray, ultrasound, CT, or MRI may show a fracture, tissue damage, or other injuries. You may be given contrast liquid to help the fracture show up better in the pictures. Tell the healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast liquid. Do not enter the MRI room with anything metal. Metal can cause serious injury. Tell the healthcare provider if you have any metal in or on your body. How is an ankle fracture in children treated? - Support devices, such as a brace, cast, or splint may be needed to limit your child's movement and protect his ankle. Do not remove your child's device. He may need to use crutches to decrease his pain as he moves around. He should not put weight on his injured ankle.
- Pain medicine may be given. Ask your child's healthcare provider how to give this medicine safely.
- Closed reduction may be done to put your child's bones back into their correct position without surgery.
- Open reduction surgery is done when a closed reduction does not work or your child has ligament damage. An incision is made and the bones and ligaments are put back in the correct position. This may include the use of special wires, pins, plates or screws.
How can I manage my child's symptoms? - Have your child rest his ankle so that it can heal.
- Apply ice on your child's ankle for 15 to 20 minutes every hour or as directed. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover it with a towel. Ice helps prevent tissue damage and decreases swelling and pain.
- Compress your child's ankle. Ask if you should wrap an elastic bandage around your child's ankle. An elastic bandage provides support and helps decrease swelling and movement so your child's ankle can heal. Have him wear the elastic bandage as directed.
- Elevate your child's ankle. Have your child elevate his ankle above the level of his heart as often as he can. This will help decrease swelling and pain. Prop his ankle on pillows or blankets to keep it elevated comfortably.
When should I seek immediate care? - Blood soaks through your child's bandage.
- Your child has severe pain in his ankle.
- Your child's cast feels too tight.
- Your child's cast breaks or gets damaged.
- Your child's foot or toes feel cold or numb.
- Your child's foot or toenails turn blue or gray.
- Your child's swelling has increased or returned.
When should I contact my child's healthcare provider? - Your child's splint feels too tight.
- Your child has a fever.
- You see new blood stains or notice a bad smell coming from under the cast or splint.
- Your child has more pain or swelling than he did before the cast or splint was put on.
- Your child's pain or swelling does not go away, even after treatment.
- You have questions or concerns about your child's condition or care.
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