Ankle sprain
Advice for parents
Your child has a sprained ankle and this has been treated with a tubigrip bandage.
You should follow these instructions to ensure that your child’s sprain heals quickly:
1. Your child should rest his/her ankle for the first day, on a stool or chair above the
level of the hips.
2. It may be painful initially. Calpol or Paracetamol may be given, (see below).
3. After the first day, your child should exercise the ankle regularly by drawing circles in
the air with the foot.
4. The tubigrip bandage SHOULD BE REMOVED AT NIGHT.
5. Your child should start to walk on the ankle as soon as is comfortably possible.
6. P.E. and sports (except swimming) should be avoided until the ankle is completely
back to normal.
Should your child’s injury not settle within 10 days, you should telephone for advice.
Things that will help your child to get better:

Simple pain relief such as Calpol/Paracetamol is recommended. Give every 4 - 6
hours (no more than 4 times in 24 hours). Do not give more than the dose
prescribed.

Keep your child off nursery/school as advised by the doctor or nurse practitioner.

Check with the doctor before giving any medication.
If in the next 24 hours you require further advice relating to this attendance,
please telephone the Children’s Emergency Department on 01332 787694
and ask to speak to a qualified nurse.
Call 111 for non-emergency confidential health care advice and information,
24 hours a day.
“Call 111 when it’s less urgent than 999”
P1654/0160/12.2014/VERSION4
© Copyright. Any external organisations and websites included here do not necessarily reflect the views of the Trust, nor does their inclusion constitute a recommendation.
Ankle sprain
Advice to children
You have sprained your ankle and this has been treated with a bandage called a
tubigrip.
You should follow these instructions to ensure that your sprain heals quickly:
1. You should rest your ankle for the first day on a stool or chair above the level
of the hips.
2. Your parent/carer can give you Calpol or Paracetamol if your ankle hurts.
3. After the first day, you should exercise the ankle regularly, by drawing circles
in the air with the foot.
4. The tubigrip bandage SHOULD BE REMOVED AT NIGHT.
5. You should start to walk on the ankle as soon as is comfortably possible.
6. You can go swimming if you want to. Do not do PE and sports until your ankle is
completely back to normal.
If your injury does not settle within 10 days, your parent/carer will telephone the
hospital for advice.