Los Angeles Laker Mo Bamba, sidelined with ankle soreness since the first round against the Memphis Grizzlies makes his return tonight. He sustained a high ankle sprain back in March. His Lakers are down 3-0 and on the brink of elimination against the Denver Nuggets, is it right to have him return for such a low probability of advancing?
High ankle sprains that involve damage to the syndesmosis (ligaments that connect the tibia and fibula) just above the ankle. High ankle sprains are less common, but they tend to be more severe in nature. Oftentimes they are classified based on their severity.
Grade 1 – The syndesmosis is stretched but not torn.
Grade 2 – The syndesmosis is partially torn.
Grade 3 – The syndesmosis is completely torn.
Ankle sprains can mostly be managed conservatively. The treatment initially will include the RICE method. RICE stands for rest, ice, compression and elevation. Depending on the severity of the injury, treatment may include physical therapy, bracing/taping/casting or even surgical intervention. An MRI can be performed to further evaluate the extent of the injury to determine whether or not surgical intervention is needed. If there is a tear in syndesmosis and surgical intervention is needed.
