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Ankle Sprains in Children: When a ‘Minor’ Injury Is Actually a Growth Plate Fracture

Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon — Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI. Last updated April 2026.

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Medically Reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist, Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists, Michigan. Last updated April 2026.

Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle: Foot Emergency Guide →

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Podiatrist-recommended products

As an Amazon Associate, Dr. Tom earns from qualifying purchases.

Pediatric Ankle Brace

Post-sprain rehabilitation.

View on Amazon →
FlexiKold Gel Ice Pack

Acute swelling control.

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Doctor Hoy’s Pain Relief

Child-friendly topical.

View on Amazon →
PowerStep Pinnacle Orthotics

Youth-size arch support.

View on Amazon →

Ready to solve this? Book today.

Same-week appointments · Howell & Bloomfield Hills · 4.9★ (1,123+ reviews)

☎ (810) 206-1402Book Online →

Watch: Dr. Tom explains

Play video

Podiatrist-recommended products

As an Amazon Associate, Dr. Tom earns from qualifying purchases.

Walking Boot / CAM Walker

Pediatric immobilization

View on Amazon →
FlexiKold Gel Pack

Acute icing

View on Amazon →
Doctor Hoy’s Natural Relief Gel

Gentle relief

View on Amazon →
PowerStep Pinnacle Orthotics

Recovery support

View on Amazon →

Ready to solve this? Book today.

Same-week appointments · Howell & Bloomfield Hills · 4.9★ (1,123+ reviews)

☎ (810) 206-1402Book Online →

More Podiatrist-Recommended Ankle Sprain Essentials

Stability Walking/Running Shoe

Brooks Men’s Adrenaline GTS 25 Supportive Running & Walking Shoe
  • THIS MEN’S SHOE IS FOR: The Adrenaline GTS 25 is perfect for runners and walkers seeking reliable support and a smooth ride. Featuring holistic GuideRails for Go-To Support and soft, dynamic premium nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 cushioning, it delivers distraction-free comfort mile after mile. This Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 is a certified PDAC A5500 Diabetic shoe and has been granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance. Predecessor: Adrenaline GTS 24.
  • GUIDERAILS HOLISTIC SUPPORT SYSTEM: Our innovative technology - known as “GTS” for “Go-To Support” - supports your body in its natural motion path while keeping excess movement in check.
  • SOFT & DYNAMIC CUSHIONING: Even more premium nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 cushioning delivers lightweight softness, and feel-good comfort mile after mile.
  • TRUSTED FIT: The breathable engineered mesh upper and flat-knit collar offer a secure, comfortable fit, providing both structure and flexibility to accommodate natural movement during active use.
  • SMOOTH TRANSITIONS: The specially designed outsole and midsole work together to promote seamless transitions, ensuring comfort and support for every step, so you can stay active longer.

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 — lateral support during recovery walking.

KT Tape for Ankle Support

KT Tape, Blister Prevention Tape, Wide Cut, 30 Count, 3.5" Precut Strips, Beige
  • Keep your feet healthy: Designed to help prevent blisters, chafing and hot spot formation so you can perform at your peak; Pre-cut strips offer quick application; Apply correctly with the KT App.
  • Ultra-durable: 100% engineered synthetic fiber tape is specially designed to stand up to the rigors and harsh conditions facing runners, hikers, training athletes and dancers alike
  • Stays in place: Blister Prevention Tape leverages KT’s advanced adhesive technology; Thin, comfortable material and a rounded edged design to stay on skin for up to two days
  • Reduces friction: Designed ultra-light and thin to easily conform to skin and minimize blister-causing friction
  • Good to your skin: Does not contain common materials that trigger allergic reactions; KT products are hypoallergenic, latex-free and naturally rubber-free

KT Tape — proprioceptive support for athletic return-to-play.

Supportive Insole

PowerStep Pinnacle Insoles, Orthotics for Plantar Fasciitis Relief, Made in USA Orthotic Insoles, Arch Support Inserts with Moderate Pronation, #1 Podiatrist Recommended (M 14-15)
  • The Pinnacle Full length insoles for men & women provide maximum cushioning, from high activity to moderate support. The PowerStep arch support shape provides stability to the foot and ankle, helping to relieve foot pain.
  • When you spend all day on your feet, every step counts. PowerStep insoles are a podiatrist-recommended orthotic to help relieve & prevent foot pain related to athletes, runners, Plantar Fasciitis, heel spurs & other common foot, ankle & knee injuries
  • The Pinnacle plantar fasciitis insoles offer superior heel cushioning and arch support. The dual-layer cushioning is designed to reduce stress and fatigue, while PowerStep premium arch support is designed for plantar fasciitis relief.
  • The PowerStep Pinnacle arch support inserts for men & women can be worn in a variety of shoe types such as; athletic, walking, running, work & some casual shoes. Orthotic Inserts are ordered by shoe size, no trimming required.
  • Made in the USA & backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. PowerStep orthotic inserts for men & women are designed for shoes where the factory insole can be removed. HSA & FSA Eligible

PowerStep Pinnacle — arch support reduces re-injury risk during recovery.

As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. Product recommendations are based on clinical experience; prices and availability shown above update live from Amazon.

Chronic Ankle Sprains - Balance Foot & Ankle

When to See a Podiatrist

A sprain that hasn’t fully recovered after 6 weeks often has residual ligament laxity or occult fracture that keeps the ankle unstable. Balance Foot & Ankle X-rays and stress-tests every lingering sprain — if the ligament is torn, we offer bracing, PRP, and (for chronic instability) minimally-invasive repair. Don’t keep re-rolling the same ankle; let us stabilize it properly.

Call Balance Foot & Ankle: (810) 206-1402  ·  Book online  ·  Offices in Howell & Bloomfield Hills

Recommended Products for Heel Pain
Products personally used and recommended by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM. All available on Amazon.
Medical-grade arch support that offloads the plantar fascia. Our #1 recommendation for heel pain.
Best for: Daily wear, work shoes, athletic shoes
Apply to the heel and arch morning and evening for natural anti-inflammatory relief.
Best for: Morning heel pain, post-activity soreness
Graduated compression supports plantar fascia recovery and reduces morning stiffness.
Best for: Overnight recovery, all-day wear
These products work best with professional treatment. Book an appointment with Dr. Tom for a personalized treatment plan.
Medical References
  1. Plantar Fasciitis: Diagnosis and Conservative Management (PubMed)
  2. Plantar Fasciitis (APMA)
  3. Diagnosis and Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis (PubMed / AAFP)
  4. Heel Pain (APMA)
This article has been reviewed for medical accuracy by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM. References are provided for informational purposes.

Related Treatments at Balance Foot & Ankle

Our board-certified podiatrists offer advanced treatments at our Bloomfield Hills and Howell locations.

Balance Foot & Ankle surgeons are affiliated with Trinity Health Michigan, Corewell Health, and Henry Ford Health — three of Michigan’s largest health systems.
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