This weekend, an MRI confirmed that Ben Roethlisberger had sustained a high ankle sprain after his injury during Thursday’s game against the Cleveland Browns.
Luckily for Roethlisberger, the sprain has been classified as grade 2, not 3. There are 3 grades of high ankle sprains, 3 being the most severe.
Roethlisberger is wearing a walking boot and getting rest before the Steelers’ next game against the 49ers.
Players who sustain high ankle sprains are usually not able to return to play for 2-3 weeks. First time high ankle sprains are confusing for players who are used to bouncing back quickly from more commonplace ankle sprains. They get frustrated, return early and become re-injured. This is Roethlisberger’s first high ankle sprain.
“I’ve never had a high-ankle sprain before, so I don’t know what to expect,” he said after the game. “But it feels like my ankle is about to explode. I’m ready to get off of it.”
In general, high ankle sprains are more severe than the typical “rolled” ankle sprain. Grade 1 sprains recover within 2-3 weeks. More severe injuries and non-surgically treated ankles need a 5-6 weeks recovery.
“As Roethlisberger has clearly demonstrated an almost superhuman pain tolerance, a standing ankle x-ray can be obtained and compared to his uninjured ankle,” says Orthopedic Specialist, Lance Silverman. “Simply relying on an MRI will not show whether or not the ankle is stable. If widening occurs, surgery should be strongly considered or the risk increases for re-injury and the development of chronic ankle problems.”
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