Weak ankle

[PickledLily]

My 8yo has badly sprained her ankle a few times over the past 5 years and every month or so, often after a long walk but not always, will complain that her ankle is sore and it hurts to walk on it. Often it's not until the next day. It's not so bad that she can't bear weight on it, but it is clearly uncomfortable. Her shoes always wear out on the outside of the sole, so the ankle must be under stress the whole time.

Other than the usual rest/ice/compress etc what can I do to help strengthen it? I'm assuming the GP would be no help and that it needs a physio? Or does she need orthotics? It's starting to limit her exercise and I'm concerned it will only get worse as she gets older.

Probably orthotics so ask for a referral.
Have you tried using an ankle support when going for these walks ?
Something like a double thickness elastic bandage.

Sounds like they need physio and a foot strap whilst out walking till they build strength back up

I think a foot strap or orthotics will only make the ankle weaker as it is like having a brace on.
She needs foot exercises to strengthen it. She needs a physio. Problem could even be in the knee, a misalignment would cascade in a problem in the ankle.
What have you done/tried so far?

When I buggered up my ankle the chap I use for sports massages recommended some ankle strengthing exercises. A couple included standing on one leg (bad leg) and tip toeing but slowly and holding in the raised position. Also 1 legged squats, but not all the way down. My ankle is much stronger, not perfect but much better.

Ask GP to refer her. I think its to Orthotics. My DD was very similar apart from wearing her shoes unevenly. They watched her walk, checked her footwear and checked her flexibility.

My dd had the same. GP referred to orthopaedics who X-rayed to check no fracture (there wasn’t). Then we got a referral for physio who gave strengthening exercises. They also said she’s hypermobile which has contributed to the weakness. It was a year between GP and physio by which point it was largely better but it is good to have the exercises in case it comes back again.

I did the same as a child. The ankle is still a little weaker than the other one but exercises definitely help. Excercises such as tracing the alphabet/numbers with her big toe will build up strength.

My dd had this. Two private physio sessions with exercises on a wee app and it stopped.

Thanks everyone, I'll make a GP appointment to start with. I suspect she is hypermobile too. Plus her knee is probably out of alignment, so we will see what a physio says and go from there.
Interesting about orthotics not helping through and acting as a brace. I wear orthotics due to a wonky knee and can't manage without them. I could do all the exercises in the world but I don't think it would compensate for the wonkyness.

Have a,full physio assessment for hypemobility and get specifuc physio advice