May 6, 2026, 10:00 a.m.
Many children play soccer year-round, which can increase their chances of suffering an ankle injury. St. Louis Children’s Hospital physical therapist Gabrielle Griffin, PT, DPT, provides effective strategies to keep your child’s ankles strong and resilient.
- Perform regular exercises that strengthen the muscles around the ankle and reduce injury risk.
- Perform regular balance and stability training to improve proprioception (the body’s ability to sense movement) and prevent falls or awkward landings.
- Use ankle bracing and taping for extra support, especially if there is a history of ankle injury.
- Prioritize a proper warm-up, such as the FIFA 11+, to prepare muscles and joints for the demands of soccer.
- Use a proper cool-down method after an activity, such as static stretching.
- Avoid sudden increases in intensity or duration of training that can overstrain muscles and ligaments.
- Increase training load by gradually adjusting running distance, speed drills, and overall playing time.
- Prioritize rest days by incorporating them into your routine to allow your body to recover and repair.
- Use proper techniques when it comes to running, cutting, and pivoting.
- Pay attention to signs of discomfort in ankles, address it promptly, and avoid playing through pain.
- Seek professional help for persistent pain or a suspected injury to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
When your child has a sprain, strain, jam, or minor fracture, visit one of four Orthopedic Injury Clinic locations for a same-day appointment. You’ll receive immediate care from WashU Medicine orthopedic specialists, including on-site X-ray, splinting, and casting. We treat kids ages 5 and up.
