Ankle Injuries

One of the most common sports injuries, ankle sprains are all too often shrugged off. The most common type of ankle sprain involves the lateral ligaments on the side of the leg being torn. Only an x-ray can determine the extent of damage caused to the ankle. Some sprains can be treated by taping them and using ice; while other might require having to put the ankle in a cast. The most serious cases might even require surgery, making any serious or nagging ankle sprains a necessity in terms of doctor evaluation.

Minor sprains can be "walked off", that is you can keep using the foot and the pain will subside. After completing the activity, you should ice the ankle and elevate it for atleast 30 minutes. An x-ray will still be the only way to be sure that there isn't any fracture. Minor ankle sprains are common in jumping activities like basketball, and for bikers caused by excessive rotation.