Foot and Ankle in the NFL (Week 5)

Sunday afternoon, while going head to head against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 5 of the NFL's regular season, Giants running back Saquon Barkley suffered what could have been a season-ending ankle injury. He stepped on the foot of a defensive end after an incomplete pass by Eli Manning.

Replayed camera footage shows the running back's ankle as it severely inverts when he catches the other player's foot in stride. Barkley was carted off the field and did not return.

Arizona Cardinals tight end Maxx Williams and Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David have suffered similar fates. In fact, all three players are currently sitting on the IR list for lower extremity injuries.

How common are ankle injuries in elite football?

In a meta-analysis of studies examining orthopedic injuries in the NFL, 147 articles reported injuries of the ankle and foot, representing 5% and 12%, respectively. NFL Combine participants had a history of ankle and foot injuries in more than 70% of players.

Anything new on techniques?

Check out the Foot Innovate symposium featuring Drs. Martin O’Malley, Bob Anderson and Kirk McCullough. In their presentation, the Management of Traumatic Injuries in the Elite Athlete, they share their opinions, cases and techniques for managing tough injuries in high-pressure situations.