Injury Insights: Medical Doctor Explains Christian Braun’s High Ankle Sprain
Christian Braun, guard for the Denver Nuggets, is working his way back from a high ankle sprain that has already sidelined him for over a month. In this week’s Injury Insights, Dr. Joseph Ramos explains why this type of injury can be so frustrating, especially when it comes to regaining explosiveness. Unlike the more common low ankle sprain caused by the foot rolling inward, a high ankle sprain occurs when the foot rotates outward, damaging the ligaments above the ankle joint where the tibia meets the ankle. Because these structures sit higher and play a key role in stability and force transfer, recovery tends to be longer and more complicated.
Dr. Ramos notes that while a typical low ankle sprain may heal in about two weeks, high ankle sprains often require at least six weeks (and sometimes eight to twelve) depending on the severity of the micro-tears involved. During that time, athletes can lose 25–30% of their muscle strength in the first week alone, which directly impacts speed and vertical explosion. If a player returns too early and suffers a setback, the timeline can extend even further. With the playoffs approaching, Braun’s ability to regain full strength and stability will be critical, but high ankle sprains are notoriously unpredictable and can linger longer than fans expect.
Key Insights
- High and Mighty Hurt: Christian Braun is dealing with a high ankle sprain—an injury that affects the ligaments above the ankle joint and is far more complex than a typical ankle roll.
- Outward Bound Breakdown: Unlike common inversion sprains where the foot rolls inward, a high ankle sprain occurs when the foot rotates outward, stressing the structures that stabilize the lower leg.
- Above the Joint, Above the Pain: These injuries impact the ligaments connecting the tibia above the ankle, which are crucial for stability and power transfer during cutting and jumping.
- Explosion Extinguished: Loss of explosiveness is common because the injury disrupts force generation and push-off strength, key components of speed and vertical lift.
- Strength Slips Fast: Athletes can lose 25–30% of muscle strength within the first week of inactivity, making the comeback even more challenging.
- Six-Week Standard: While low ankle sprains may heal in two weeks, high ankle sprains typically require a minimum of six weeks and sometimes up to 12.
- Setback Cycle: Returning too soon can lead to re-injury, forcing players back to the bench and restarting the recovery timeline.
- Playoff Pressure: With postseason play looming for the Denver Nuggets, lingering instability and lost strength could significantly impact availability and performance.
