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My 7 year old hurt his ankle wrestling. We think he rolled his ankle over his foot, but we are not certain. We have seen two doctors. They both took X-rays and saw no fracture. He is able to walk and even went to wrestling practice and ran on his ankle with very little pain, but he is limping a little when he walks. Immediately after the injury, there was no swelling and perhaps there was mild discoloration but it really wasn't easy to see. One doctor said it might be broken because kid's fractures aren't always visible on x-rays. Both doctors said to immobilize it for 2-3 weeks. It is clearly not fractured, and I have read that even severe ankle sprains should be rehabbed within 48 hours with stretching and strength training. He stretches and does calf raises with no pain. I think he has a very mild sprain and should begin rehabbing it immediately. My 7 year old is an elite level wrestler, one of the best in the country. He is in top physical condition and has always been on a well balanced diet with no refined sugar or fast food ever. What should I do about his ankle? Although I want him to wrestle soon, I don't want to take any chances with his future health. Do I wait until there is no pain whatsoever before he wrestles? Since there is no swelling at all, I have been bathing it in warm water, having him do calf raises, write the alphabet in the air with his toes, and balance on one foot on a hemispheric exercise ball. If you cannot answer my question, can you please refer me to a sports medicine orthopedist who can? Thanks,
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