Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Percy Harvin suffered a severely sprained ankle during Sunday’s loss to the Seahawks and is in jeopardy of missing the team’s upcoming game against NFC North rival Detroit.
Harvin hurt himself on a rushing attempt late in the third quarter of Sunday’s game, but continued to play through the injury.
Harvin underwent an MRI on Monday to determine the extent of the injury. The MRI confirmed a significant sprain, but he avoided any fractures in the ankle. He was on crutches when he told reporters that his ankle was sprained in three places.
When asked if he thought he would be able to play Sunday against Detroit, Harvin said “It’s a longshot. But I’m not ruling myself out.”
Dr. Silverman Comments
Ankle sprains are common and troublesome.
The good news is that he should be healthy enough to play sooner rather than later, as the MRI showed no fractures, but Harvin’s ankle may never be the same. Most severe ankle sprains will have short-term and long-term effects. Weeks, months, and years from now the ankle may still give him problems. His lateral quickness to the side opposite the sprain may be slowed.
He will eventually develop “spurs” if he continues to aggravate the injury.
I wouldn’t recommend an early procedure during the season, but if Harvin doesn’t like the way his ankle feels or if he isn’t as quick to cut, he should consider repair during the offseason. Ligament reconstruction would help strengthen the ankle, and my patients have been pleased with the results when facing the same procedure.
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