Child Sprained Ankle Clinic in Brentwood CA

The length of time that it takes for a child’s sprained ankle to heal depends on several factors, including:

• The severity or degree of the sprain
• If it is a repeat injury
• If preventative healing measures are taken, such as avoiding exacerbating the existing injury

In minor cases of sprained ankles, recovery takes around two to three weeks. With more severe ankle sprains, the healing time to make a full recovery can be as long as six to eight weeks.

Sprains and broken bones share a lot of the same symptoms, although breaks tend to be worse in severity. Broken bones come with these characteristic signs:

• Pain and swelling
• Deformity
• A crunching sensation or sound
• Numbness or tingling
• Trouble bearing weight on the affected area
• Tenderness when putting pressure on the bone

On the other hand, a sprain is an injury to a ligament, which are soft tissues that connect two (or more) bones at a joint, such as the ankle, knee, elbow, shoulder or jaw.

Although the signs of a sprain can be less apparent than fracture symptoms, there are some similarities, including:

• Pain and swelling
• Tenderness in the soft tissue
• Redness around the area of injury

The terms twisted ankle and sprained ankle both refer to the same thing: a soft tissue injury. Although the way the injury was sustained may differ, the outcome is the same. Twisted ankles can occur on either side of the ankle, although it is most common to injure the lateral, or outer, side.

The severity of ankle sprains is broken down into 3 categories, or grades:

• A grade 1 sprain is considered mild. The ligaments in the ankle are only slightly stretched, and the joint is marked by swelling and soreness; long-term damage is unlikely to occur.
• A grade 2 sprain is considered moderate. One or two small tears are present in the ligament, which may result in a loosening of the ankle joint. The ankle will be noticeably swollen and the child will experience pain and discomfort when bearing weight on the injured leg.
• A grade 3 sprain is severe. Severe ankle sprains are characterized by deep or complete tears of the ligament holding the ankle joint in place. It results in severe pain and swelling. The ankle will be very weak and the child experiencing this injury will not be able to bear any weight on their foot at all.

Has your child suffered a sudden twist or fall during play? As a premier child sprained ankle clinic in Brentwood, Bay Area Foot and Ankle Associates provides specialized pediatric care to ensure young bones and ligaments heal correctly. Dr. John W. Scivally, DPM, and Dr. Robin K. Lie, DPM, recognize that children’s injuries require a unique approach, specifically to protect open growth plates that can be mistaken for simple sprains.

Our Brentwood team uses on-site digital imaging to quickly differentiate between a ligament tear and a growth plate fracture. We focus on child-friendly treatment plans that prioritize stability and long-term joint health, utilizing custom bracing, taping, and activity modification. By addressing ankle instability early, Dr. Scivally and Dr. Lie help prevent chronic weakness and future re-injury, getting your little athlete back on the field safely and confidently.

If you have any questions about sprained ankles in children, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 2400 Balfour Rd STE 230, Brentwood, CA 9451. We serve patients from Brentwood CA, Pittsburg CA, Antioch CA, Discovery Bay CA, Byron CA, Oakley CA, Knightsen, CA, and surrounding areas.