Ankle sprain keeps Neymar out of the first phase of the Cup: understand the injury!

Brazil made its debut in Qatar World Cup on Thursday (24) and, 34 minutes into the second half, Neymar Jr. was substituted, leaving the field with a pained expression. The medical chief of the delegation stated that the number 10 suffered a ankle sprainone of the most common injuries in football.

“Neymar had a sprain. The move, seen on TV, is very clear. It was a direct trauma, in which the Serbia player’s knee made a movement, causing the sprain. It showed swelling, we started treatment immediately. Now, we have to wait 24 hours , 48 hours, to get a clearer idea,” said Rodrigo Lasmar, chief medical officer of the Brazilian delegation.

Read more: Most common injuries in the World Cup: know the causes

In addition to Neymar, right-back Danilo also suffered the same injury during the match. Also according to Lasmar, Danilo’s sprain was lighter than that of the number 10, but “it bothered me a lot at the end of the game”. Both players will be out of the first phase of the Cup, and may return playing in the round of 16if Brazil advances.

What is ankle sprain?

Ankle sprains, also known as ankle sprainis an injury that leads to torn ligaments🇧🇷 It can occur in three different degrees, characterized by the severity of the injury and the way the tendons are stretched or ruptured, as explained by Ricardo Nahas, orthopedist, sports and exercise physician and director of the Brazilian Society of Exercise and Sports Medicine (SBME), in his article in MinhaVida.

Grade I sprains are considered mild. In it, there is alteration of the fibers that make up the ligaments. Grade II torsion is moderate, as these fibers are partially torn. The most serious injury, grade III, is characterized by total tearing of the ligaments.

the main ones ankle sprain symptoms are intense and disabling pain, making it difficult to walk, swelling, bleeding (in more severe cases) and the appearance of bruises. In the case of Neymar, it was possible to notice the swelling during the match, when the player was substituted.

Know more: Avoid the seven most common injuries in runners

How is the treatment done?

O ankle sprain treatment begins immediately after suffering the injury to prevent the condition from getting worse. At this time, it is possible to apply ice and keep the injured ankle at rest and in an elevated position. Subsequently, it is necessary to undergo a medical evaluation, in which imaging tests may be requested for a more accurate analysis.

The rest should last between 24 and 48 hours, just like Neymar and Danilo should rest, according to the head doctor of the Brazilian delegation. However, the period of treatment and recovery from the injury can last up to 15 days, in mild cases, and months, in severe cases. Physiotherapy is also an ally in treatment and helps with recovery.