For an adolescent athlete who sprained his ankle, what is the best advice regarding resuming activity?

The recommendation for an adolescent athlete who sprained his ankle to walk pain-free before starting to run is based on the principle of ensuring adequate recovery and preventing further injury. The presence of pain during weight-bearing activities like walking is an indication that the ankle may not have sufficiently healed. Resuming activities too soon, especially those involving running, can lead to exacerbation of the injury or new injuries.

Walking pain-free signals that the range of motion and function of the ankle are returning to normal. It demonstrates that the injury is healing correctly, allowing the athlete to confidently progress to more advanced activities without risking re-injury.

The other options do not adequately focus on the necessary recovery steps. Resuming regular activities in about one week may not account for the individual's unique healing process and symptoms. Taping the ankle prior to competition can provide support, but it should not be a substitute for ensuring the athlete is pain-free before returning to running. Resuming activity only when edema has resolved can be misleading; swelling is just one aspect of the recovery process, and weight-bearing capability and absence of pain also need to be considered before advancing to running.