Jay Cutler and High Ankle Sprains

After returning to play after a groin injury, Bear's quarterback Jay Cutler suffered a high ankle sprain on Sunday. High ankle sprains involve an injury above the ankle to the soft tissues or syndesmosis between the tibia and fibula. Typically, these injuries are rotational, so this is an obvious potential problem with NFL players This injury can be hard to diagnose in some cases because it may not include a lot of swelling. Traditional ankle sprains typically involve an injury to a ligament on the side of the ankle, and there is pain and swelling in the area. The high ankle sprain is further up on the leg, rather on the side and may not be as swollen. Initial treatments of high ankle sprains include medication to reduce inflammation, rest, ice, compression or immobilization, elevation, and physical therapy. Severe injuries can require surgery.