Lindsey Berg Suffers Ankle Sprain

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 30: Lindsey Berg of the United States speaks to the media during a press conference following the United States team win in the Women's Volleyball Preliminary match between the United States and Brazil on Day 3 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Earls Court on July 30, 2012 in London, England. (Image credit: Getty Images via @daylife)

Captain and three-time Olympian Lindsey Berg injured her left ankle Sunday night in the United State's win over Turkey.
The US team breezed through the second set and was 9-5 in the third set when Berg limped off the court. The setter removed her shoe and a trainer wrapped the ankle in ice. Berg said afterwards that she would have the ankle examined further, but she didn't think the injury was serious. "I'm ok," she said. "I felt something wasn't pushing through."
Berg sat out in Tuesday night's quarterfinal game against the Dominican Republic. It was unclear if Berg's ankle was more serious than anticipated or if the United States was just giving her ankle more time to rest.
Courtney Thompson started in place of the three-time Olympian, who will retire from volleyball after the games are over.
Berg dressed and warmed up with the team with no visible distress to her ankle, but was seen wearing a compression sock. She and Thompson conferred often during time-outs.
The repetitive side to side movement and jumping required in volleyball increase the risk of injuries to the foot and ankle. Volleyball players should be aware of the following:

• Inversion ankle sprains (which is most likely what Berg suffered) are a common injury in this sport. Ankle sprains should be evaluated by a foot and ankle surgeon to determine the extent of the injury, including possible peroneal tendon injuries or fractures. The foot and ankle surgeon will develop a treatment plan: failure to fully treat and rehabilitate a sprain may lead to chronic ankle instability and recurrent ankle sprains.
• Overuse and excessive training can lead to heel pain, Achilles tendonitis, sesamoiditis, stress fractures, posterior tibial tendonitis, and calcaneal apophysitis in children and adolescents. 

If you play volleyball and have been experiencing pain, call our Newington, Kensington, or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Craig M. Kaufman, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Sports Medicine Podiatrist in CT
Podiatrist in Newington
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