Forte of the Bears has ankle injury but not a high ankle sprain

Reports today from ESPN state that Bears player, Matt Forte, does have a sore ankle, but it is not a high ankle sprain, as suspected. High ankle sprains involve an injury to the syndesmotic membrane between the tibia and fibula bones of the leg, and the mechanism of injury involves an outward twisting of the leg and/or foot. Obviously, this movement can occur in sports like football, so this is a concern when a professional player like Forte goes down with an ankle injury. X-Rays are taken to make sure that these bones are not broken, but MRI is needed to check the soft tissue structures around the ankle. Compressing the leg often causes pain, especially with twisting. For milder high ankle sprains, RICE (rest, ice, compression/immobilization, and elevation) can be used for treatment, but more severe sprains may require surgery. Thus, the recovery time can vary. Dr. Bender, 708-763-0580, 6931 W. North, Oak Park, IL 60302