2+ yr ankle injury in 11 yr old

[ashwinMA]

My son got a severe ankle sprain while playing soccer 2 years ago. He was put in a cast for 4 weeks and then did not do any sports for a few months. When he went back to playing soccer he hurt his ankle again. We took him to a sports medicine doc and took XRays, MRIS, bone scans during the course of the next 6 months. We also started Physical Therapy. The pain has decreased but he still can't flex his foot --- i.e. he used to be on a swim team but it hurts him to swim now. He can't put his foot in a boot to ski in the winter.

The consensus amongst doctors and PTs seems to be that he has a pinched nerve possibly due to scar tissue. We have been undergoing PT and other therapies - although his day to day life has now returned to normal - he can't take part in any organized sports and can't swim/ski/skate which used to be his favorite actiivites - i.e. he can't lead a normal life for a 11 yr old boy.

We are going to try acupuncture next . Any suggestions or recommendations?

[Zak_Han]

hi,how are your son doing now? Did he had acupuncture treatment?
I think that acupuncture works for his ankle,but ,you have to find a reputable and experienced practitioner,as treatemtent is complicated,normally,there are have inflammation whose located in fat pad behind ankle joint,which is main reason lead to pain in ankle.I don't think it was pinched nerve possibly due to scar tissue. another important thing is that acupuncture have to use intensive technique as inflammation area not single spot.
Good luck!

[Caliber2005]

Hi,
Acupuncture treatment is good till the time it is harmless.
There are some minor side effects. Generally those are harmless and should clear up on their own without further treatment and include bruising, bleeding after removal of the needle, and psychological effects which might cause dizziness and fainting.
There are some major side effects, which includes one of them as nerve damage. This can occur as a result of a nerve being pierced or nicked when inserting the Acupuncture needle.
You have to keep this in mind and then start treatment.
Hope this helps.
Bye.