Before you know it, the spring season for the Roanoke Valley Youth Soccer Association will be in full swing and excited kids will be running around, kicking the ball, and having fun with friends. Soccer is a great way for children to be active. Unfortunately, it’s also an easy way for someone to sustain an ankle sprain. Of course, any physical activity comes with the potential for injury but the upside of an active lifestyle greatly outweighs that risk. When your child is playing a sport, it’s important to know how to administer first aid for a sprained ankle.
When an ankle sprain happens, your child will experience pain right away. The ankle will also likely begin to swell and may even bruise. Depending on the severity of the injury, it may be difficult for him or her to put weight on the affected foot. As soon as you recognize these symptoms, begin RICE treatment by:
- Rest – Make sure that your injured child refrains from activity and takes it easy. He or she should spend as much time off his or her feet as possible so that the body can begin healing.
- Ice – Use either an ice pack or ice wrapped in towel on the affected ankle to control swelling and inflammation. It is important that you do not put ice directly on the skin.
- Compression – Wrap the sprained ankle tightly, but not excessively tight, in an elastic bandage. This will control the swelling and promote a healthy blood flow to the impacted area.
- Elevation – Have your child lie down on the couch or bed and prop his or her foot up on a couple of pillows so that it is above heart level. This also will decrease swelling.
We know that you will do as much as you can for your child’s injury, but bring in the all-stars at Shenandoah Podiatry when you need expert first aid for an ankle sprain. We will give any pain and discomfort the boot and get your little, or not so little, soccer players back on the field in no time. Bring your son or daughter to either our Roanoke, VA, office and we will provide the expert care you are accustomed to receiving from our practice. Call (540) 904-1458 for Roanoke, or use the online form on our site.