13 yr old boy w/ankle injury

[brian robinson]

Bill:

One of the boys I coach, a 13 yr old soccer player, injured his ankle. He rolled it in a hole in my backyard, so I feel partially responsible.

He had an ex-ray of the ankle and saw an orthopedist. The only information provided to him and his parents was "nothing is broken". The ortho told him to refrain from sports for two to three weeks. He is wearing an air cast.

When I asked his parents if PT was suggested or if the ortho was more specific about the injury, they told me he only said "nothing is broken".

I can't call the guy since I am not his parent.

What questions would you ask if your son was in this situation?

I am interested to know what the player can do to prevent a reoccurrence of this injury.

Thx,

BR

[Keith Scott]

Questions:
1. How bad is it (its a sprain more than likely with some stretching or tearing of the lateral ligaments) 1st, 2nd, or 3rd degree
2. WHen can he start doing some rehab for it (ie: walking, strengthening, running)

Once you know that, he can proceed.

As far as prevention goes, strengthening the surrounding muscles is a start and will go a long way. But filling in the hole he stepped in is probably the best way to prevent that kind of injury. No matter how strong a person's ankle is, stepping in a hole is a sure way to sprain it

[John Izzo]

Contact my friend Vince Burke, MPT, CSCS. He is a physical therpaist in New Jersey...he specializes in corrective strategies in youth prone to injuries in sports.

Tell him I sent you. He can be found here: www.infitpt.com