Treatment of ankle sprains in young athletes

TLDR

The study aimed to investigate the incidence and potential seriousness of fibulocollateral ligament ankle sprains among young male varsity basketball players. A survey of 84 players was conducted and the article proposes a management protocol that includes assessment of severity, treatment, and rehabilitation. Among the players, 70 % had a history of ankle sprain, 80 % of those had multiple sprains, most injuries were mild but 32 % caused more than two weeks of missed play, 55 % did not seek medical attention, and about 50 % experienced residual symptoms, with 15 % reporting that these symptoms compromised their performance.

Abstract

To study the incidence of fibulocollateral ligament ankle sprains in the young male athlete, a survey of 84 varsity basketball players was done. Seventy percent of the players had a history of an ankle sprain. Eighty percent of those with a positive history had multiple sprains. Most of the injuries were mild, but in 32% of the injuries, the athlete missed more than 2 weeks of play. No medical attention was sought in 55% of the cases. About 50% of the athletes with a sprain had residual symptoms from their injuries; 15% of the injured athletes felt that their residual symptoms compromised their playing performance. This article emphasizes the potential seriousness of the ankle sprain in the young athlete and presents a recommended method of management, including assessment of severity, treatment, and rehabilitation.