Editor Message
So much depends on the ankles
Several stories in this issue of LER: Pediatrics emphasize the long-term consequences of ankle instability and other problems at this important joint. Compromised ankle function can cause declines in physical activity and put children at risk for obesity, weak bones, and other problems that threaten quality of life.
More than half of all ankle sprains occur in kids and young adults aged between 10 and 24 years (see “Treating and preventing ankle sprains in children,” LER: Pediatrics, February 2015, page 9).
Lingering instability is common, as well. An Australian study, for example, found that 71% of children with a history of ankle sprain had perceived instability and as many as 47% had mechanical instability (see “Rates of chronic ankle instability in children are surprisingly high,” LER: Pediatrics, November 2014, page 5). Appropriately treating initial ankle sprains can give typically developing children and those with neuromuscular conditions better odds of living an active lifestyle.
In pediatrics, early care for ankle injuries isn’t happening enough, according to orthotist David Misener, CPO, MBA, who discusses sprain prevention in “Improving foot posture, balance in CMT may aid ankle stability,” page 8.
Too often, he said, parents wait to seek care until ankle injuries become chronic. Parents need to get more timely care for their children’s ankle injuries, and practitioners and coaches need to up their awareness and actively encourage intervention.
Balance exercise and bracing have been shown to help prevent sprains in adolescents. Once a sprain occurs, initial immobilization, followed by restoring range of motion and strength and addressing issues with neuromuscular control and balance, can help protect children from a lifetime of weak ankles.
By Emily Delzell, Senior Editor
News
- Multiple jumpers increase risk for ‘trampoline ankle’
- Improving foot posture, balance in CMT may aid ankle stability
- Dynamic warm-up with balance, plyo work leads to safer landings