Q: My child has a low-grade fever after an ankle sprain. Could the injury be the cause?

This post is a dramatization of a question and answer session experienced by our actual medical reviewers. Please note that this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.

Question:

My toddler sprained their ankle yesterday and was diagnosed with a torn ligament. This afternoon, they started running a low-grade fever. For the past three days, they've also had a hoarse voice and sounded congested. Is it possible for an ankle sprain to cause a fever, or is this more likely a cold that happens to coincide with the injury? I'm worried about what I should be looking out for.

Answer:

I understand your concern about your child developing a low-grade fever after an ankle injury. Let's break down the situation.

Summary of the Current Situation

* Diagnosed with a torn ankle ligament yesterday.

* Developed a low-grade fever this afternoon.

* Has had a hoarse voice and congestion for the past three days, and was out over the weekend.

Likely Causes

1. Coincidence with a Viral Cold (Most Common)

* Upper respiratory symptoms began three days ago. Increased exposure from being out over the weekend, followed by a low-grade fever today, is a natural progression for a common cold.

2. Inflammatory Response to the Ankle Injury

* A significant injury like a ligament tear can cause a low-grade fever (around 37.5°C) within 24-48 hours due to the body's inflammatory response. However, it typically does not cause a fever above 38°C.

3. Warning Signs to Watch For (Rare but Important)

* The area around the ankle becomes increasingly swollen, red, and hot to the touch.

* The fever rises above 38.5°C or lasts for more than 48 hours.

* Ankle pain suddenly worsens, or there is pus-like discharge from the area.

→ If any of these signs appear, contact your orthopedic specialist the same day to rule out a possible infection.

What to Do at Home Now

* For the Ankle: Follow the orthopedic specialist's instructions for immobilization, ice packs, and elevation.

* For the Fever: If your child seems uncomfortable, you can give a fever reducer (we can help calculate the dose based on their weight and temperature).

* For Cold Symptoms: Offer fluids frequently, use a saline nasal spray for congestion, and ensure they get plenty of rest.

* Observe: Monitor the color, temperature, and any smell from the injured ankle. Keep track of the fever and your child's overall activity level.

When to Seek Medical Attention

* The fever goes above 38.5°C or continues for more than two days.

* Redness, warmth, or swelling around the ankle worsens.

* Your child is persistently fussy, irritable, or refuses to eat or drink.

* Signs of breathing difficulty, severe coughing, or dehydration appear (e.g., no urine for over 8 hours).

→ If possible, call your orthopedic specialist for a consultation first. If it's after hours or on a weekend, use an urgent care facility.

Final Thoughts

In most cases, this is a coincidence where a common cold has overlapped with the timing of the injury. For today, focus on managing the ankle, ensuring hydration, and promoting rest. Please let us know immediately if you notice any of the warning signs listed above, and we can adjust the plan together.

For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.

https://fevercoach.us