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Injury Breakdown: Some Insight On Ike Davis's Ankle

By Abby Sims
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Mets first baseman Ike Davis left the game on May 10th after limping off the field following a fifth inning infield collision.   Somehow, though initial reports seemed clear on the fact that Davis had suffered a calf strain, a subsequent MRI revealed evidence of an ankle sprain and bone bruise in the ankle joint.  It is highly unlikely that one of these injuries was mistaken for the other, and the MRI was undoubtedly ordered to assess the extent of damage – a wise precaution.  However, as for the mystery?  That is tough to figure.

Though Mets general manager, John Ricco, was quoted saying that Davis would likely be out at least two weeks, and hopefully not longer, that sounds optimistic… as in very.  Bone contusions, or bruises, can take six weeks to heal, particularly those that are severe.  Fortunately, Davis' contusion sounds like it is more on the mild side.

As for the ankle sprain, here too, recovery depends on the degree of injury.  Also at issue is which ligaments are involved.  A "high" ankle sprain, affects the connective tissue that attaches the two bones of the lower leg just above the foot (the tibia and fibula). A "low" sprain injures the ligaments that connect the base of these bones to the foot – either on the outer (lateral) side of the ankle (the more common inversion sprain), or at the inner (medial) compartment. Sprains are actually tears, be they microscopic or profound, depending on the grade of the injury. And, though return to full activity generally comes much sooner, complete healing can take a year!

After suffering an involved ligament sprain, even once healed, a joint is no longer as stable as it was prior to injury; hence a vulnerability to recurrence. High ankle sprains can be more of a challenge than the lower versions.  With his diagnosis of a bone bruise as well, it would not surprise me if Davis took the high road.

Follow Abby on Twitter @abcsims

Thoughts on the rash of Mets injuries? Weigh in below.

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