Treatment of ankle sprains in young athletes.
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.
D000293:Adolescent; D016512:Ankle Injuries; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000628:therapy*; D001458:Bandages; D001490:Basketball; D002370:Casts, Surgical; D003446:Crutches; D006801:Humans; D007103:Immobilization; D008297:Male; D008722:Methods; D013180:Sprains and Strains / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000628:therapy*