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Dr. Brandon Macy
Podiatrist - Clark, NJ
1114 Raritan Road
Clark, NJ 07066

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By Clark Podiatry Center
October 04, 2017
Tags: arthritis   Ankle Sprains   fracture   tendonitis  

One of the top reasons why children are seen in the Emergency Department at US hospitals is unintentional injury, which includes sports injuries. While we encourage children to stay active and participate in sports, we also acknowledge the risk of injury to the feet and ankles that comes with it.

There are many ways that children can get injured while playing sports, including: collision with other children or objects, trips or falls, sprains, improper footwear, and overuse injuries. Some may be one-time injuries (i.e. cuts or bruises), but others can have long-term consequences that keep recurring (i.e. ankle sprains) or get worse (i.e. tendonitis or arthritis).

Depending on the injury, the treatment options range from simple home remedies, immobilization, physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, orthotics, and in worst cases, surgery. Today, we’d like to expand upon the home treatment option for mild foot or ankle injuries, known as the RICE method. When symptoms include minor or moderate pain, swelling, redness, or bruising in the feet or ankle, the RICE method can help control them to determine if further medical care is necessary.

Rest

  • After experiencing an injury or pain in an area of the foot or ankle, stop the activity to prevent it from getting worse.
  • Keep weight and pressure off the injury by using walking aids such as a cane or crutches.

Ice

  • For redness and swelling, apply a bag of ice or cold compress.
  • Apply for 15-20 minutes at a time, rotating with a rest of 15-20 minutes.
  • Continue icing for about 2 days, but if swelling does not decrease, seek physician care as soon as possible.    

Compression

  • Use an elastic bandage or compression sock to reduce and prevent further swelling.
  • It should have some pressure, but should not cut off circulation.

Elevation

  • Elevate the injury (with ice and compression), whenever possible. This will help reduce swelling.
  • Ideally, the injury should be elevated to above heart level, but any elevation at all while sitting can still be beneficial.

Please note: if there is excessive swelling, obvious deformity, loss of function, or if you suspect a fracture or broken bone, see a physician immediately for assessment.

If your child gets injured, start with the RICE method. If you do not see any improvements or if your child complains of worsening symptoms, you consult our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brandon Macy. We are here to treat your family’s needs at The New Jersey Children’s Foot Health Institute at Clark Podiatry Center. Make an appointment to see us today at our Clark, NJ office.

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Podiatrist - Clark, Dr. Brandon Macy, 1114 Raritan Road, Clark NJ, 07066 732-382-3470