little boys - weak ankles?

[Lill]

looking for some advise about ds (9yrs old). He is normal child who enjoys various sports, don't think has any particular natural talent but encourage him as much as possible to widen his horizons and keep him fit. Unfortunatly he keeps twisting his ankle, always the same one which leaves him unable to take part in his various clubs. It is always the same ankle and it swells badly. Should I worry or is this normal. It has been suggested to me that this is because boys of his age are a little like puppies and prone to injury through a lack of co-ordination. Should I explore the option of physio to strengthen the ankle as advised by his badminton club today? I dont want to leave him in a situation where he cant follow the sport of his choice due to mismanagement at this stage. Any advise?

i twisted my ankle (right one) several times when younger. now my ankle gives way a lot. i have to wear ankle support when walking long distances or dancing etc. its a pain in the ar*e tbh, and wish i'd been able to take steps to avoid this when i was younger.

No harm in seeing a paeds physio (request a referral from your GP). He/she will be able to assess him and probably suggest a strengthening programme along with balance and co-ordination work. They may be able to rule out hypermobility-where all ligaments are loose/extra stretchy, or any signs of dyspraxia, a condition where the child has difficulty with co-ordination and muscle sequencing etc. And then be able to advise on the best sports to pursue.
I'm a physio (not a specialist paeds one though, I'm into adults!) and I am hypermobile - think rubber/bendy joints - and I am frequently spraining my ankles. It didnt stop me from playing any sports at school/college, including gymnastics and womens rugby, although the advise is generally to steer clear of contact sports like football/rugby because of the increased injury risks. I still swear that my joints are as good as they are because I've always maintained a reasonable level of fitness and muscle strength. If I didnt I think I'd fall apart.... like now at end stage pg where I cant sit on the floor cos my pelvic joints shift about so much and I cant get up again. And the crunching noise..... yeuch!!!!

Thanks, will contact gp next weak. Def dont suspect dyspraxia as fairly well coordinated individual just a little 'leggy' atm.