Question
My 1-year-8-month-old baby sprained their ankle. The injury is above the big toe on the right foot. Initially, an X-ray showed no bone injury. But starting on the third day, the foot swelled, and the child was afraid to walk. After the swelling went down, the baby’s foot still continued to turn inward. We tried massage therapy and foot baths with herbal solutions made from dioscorea opposita, mugwort, and chrysanthemum flowers, which helped temporarily. But the problem recurred soon after, and the medication foot bath initially worked but then lost its effectiveness. It has been two months now, and the baby’s foot still turns inward. I don’t know what to do. The hospital suggests observing and waiting for natural recovery since the child is too young for medication. What solutions are there? (The hip joint has been checked and confirmed to be normal)
Answer
Based on the above situation, an initial judgment suggests that it may be soft tissue laxity caused by trauma, such as ligament or tendon laxity, which makes the affected area prone to recurrent injuries. It is recommended to visit a rehabilitation clinic for a follow-up examination and undergo functional exercises under the guidance of a professional physiotherapist. At the same time, attention should be paid to protecting the affected area, avoiding cold exposure and overuse, and avoiding severe exercise. It is suggested to have regular follow-ups to monitor recovery progress.