Ankle Spains

Anecdotally the most common injury we see among all levels of basketball players is the sprained ankle. Statistics that have been complied by the National Basketball Trainers Association show that 38.3% of all injuries incurred in the ankles. We posed the question to warriors.com viewers and you answered with an overwhelming desire to see our next feature focus on ankle sprains. As a result, our essay today will focus a bit on the anatomy and nature of ankle injuries and some basics in its care.

The scenario: land on someone else’s foot while coming down from a shot or rebound, then POP! It’s likely that anyone who has played competitively for an extended period of time has experienced the sudden pain and inability to bear weight that are characteristic of an ankle sprain.

Most ankle sprains occur to the lateral - or outside - aspect of the joint. Sometimes with the outside sprain, the bones on the inside “kiss” each other and cause some discomfort. The major bones of the ankle joint are the fibula, the tibia and the talus. Significant stability in the ankle joint comes from the ligaments that link one bone to another. Muscles that produce these tendons which attach at the ankle and foot give the ankle it’s ability to move in isolated manners, such as up and down, as well as in dynamic patterns that are associated with cutting motions while running.

The body’s response to an ankle sprain might include pain, swelling and difficulty bearing weight and moving the ankle side to side, as well as up and down. A fracture might be indicated by pain in a bony area, significant swelling and an extreme inability to bear weight on the ankle. If the possibility of fracture exists, it’s important to seek a medical examination and not discount the injury as “only a sprain.”

The initial care should include the basics: a cold application for 20-30 minutes, a compression wrap, elevation, and rest. In general, it’s good to stick with the “cold-pressure-elevation” concept until the swelling seems to be under control. There will be a tendency to prematurely “test” the ankle’s motion or ability to jog. We see that with our players and we implore them to be patient and give the inflammation a chance to subside. That may take a couple of days. Then, the contrast treatment of “cold-hot-cold” can begin. This helps promote an increase of circulation to the area in a controlled way. That helps flush out damaged blood cells and allows the healing process to proceed.

This past season, we demonstrated some of the basic ankle strengthening exercises. Next week we will demonstrate some of the more advanced exercises and discuss a “return to play criteria”.