FOOT AND ANKLE INJURIES NOBBLE FOOTBALL PLAYERS.

• Position: SPORTS MEDICINE

Ankle sprains are one of the most-common injuries among football players, says Thomas Clanton, director of Foot and Ankle Sports Medicine at The Steadman Clinic, Vail, Colo. An ankle sprain refers to stretched or torn ligaments, the most-common type being a lateral (outside) sprain when the ankle rolls under.

When athletes sustain this type of injury, it is important they get treatment as quickly as possible and then take time off to heal. Studies show that athletes who sustain ankle sprains and try to return to play before they are fully rehabilitated often sustain a second injury that is more severe.

"Fortunately, most sprains are not particularly serious," notes Clanton, "but another frequent football injury that can be serious is the ankle fracture," which is a partial or complete break in one of the three bones that make up the ankle. Often, the surgeon will advise the patient to avoid putting weight on the ankle and to wear a cast or boot to...