My 17 year old son sprained his ankle......

[elwoodsf]

I posted this on the doctors forum. I didn't rec. any info so now I will try posting here....

My son sprained his ankle snowboarding on Wednesday. We took him to the doctor yesterday, xrays affirmed our diagnosis. I forgot to ask the doctor if he should wear the ankle brace to bed? He woke up this morning and his foot swelled overnight causing the brace to leave marks on his skin.

Should he wear this brace (like an ace bandage material) to bed? Being the 17 year old he is he will NOT wear it to school. He believes he will be back on his board this weekend. He is taking Advil for the pain/swelling along with blood thinner for his heart condition.

I'm just glad he didn't break his neck!!!!

Thank you ~ El

[Tuckamore]

I am sorry that you son injured his ankle. Why is it a 17 year old never listen, at least mine didn't. I would encourage your son to wear the brace in the day and not to participate in any activity such as snowboarding. His ankle is weak right now and he can cause more serious, possibly permanent damage by not following doctor's orders. They think they are invincible at that age.

Ice is also good to use at bedtime. As Jollyman said he should be elevating his ankle. Additionally he should be applying ice at every opportunity. Both will help with the swelling.  

Best of luck you and your son. Take Care, Tuck

[elwoodsf]

Thank you Thank you for sharing your experience with me. Now I have some great ideas as to how to help him heal. He wants to go boarding today but I think he is changing his mind. He is still swollen. Sorry to hear about your experience with ankle problems. I hope the damage isn't following you to date.

Sincerely,
~ El

[jollyman069]

he should trying to sleep with his foot up on a couple of pillows tht will help the swelling i would take the brace of at night. when i was his age i had ankle trouble from playing football and kept tearing ligaments in my ankle.. so have him keep it up as much as possible for the swelling  soaking it in epsome salts will help too