The Brooklyn Nets basketball player, Jeremy Lin had to sit out the rest of the game against the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday, March 19th. After only a few minutes of game play in the first quarter, the Nets’ point guard suffered a sprain on the right ankle after landing on another athlete’s ankle. While he did not return to the game, the injury did not seem like a serious one, as he was able to ride a stationary bike during the second half of the game.
However, an ankle sprain can have varying degrees of severity, and symptoms are not always immediately apparent. Depending on whether the ligament(s) is overstretched (Grade 1), partially torn (Grade 2), or completely torn (Grade 3), healing can take time and requires rest.
While the ankle sprain seemed mild, coach Atkinson is taking precautionary measures. Playing on an injury without adequate rest and healing could mean re-injury or a more serious injury to deal with if something were to happen. This precaution is probably for the best since Lin has been out for several months with hamstring injuries earlier in the season as well.
If you suffer an ankle sprain with symptoms like pain, swelling, and inability to stand on the ankle or move it, you should stop what you’re doing and treat symptoms right away. For mild symptoms, you can use the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation). When symptoms are more severe, especially if there is severe pain and you’re unable to bear weight, you should get treatment with our podiatrist ASAP.
Make an appointment with us at Fords Foot and Ankle Care by calling (732) 738-4441. Our board-certified podiatrist, Carl Ingrassia, DPM will see you at our office in Fords, NJ within Woodbridge Township, NJ Using the latest in diagnostic technology, he will properly assess your ankle injury and provide the best treatment options. We are happy to serve all patients in the surrounding areas of Edison, Perth Amboy, Metuchen, Rahway, and Linden.