The medical side of Dwyane Wade's injuries

This has been a rough season for Dwyane Wade. The injury bug has bitten D-Wade on several occasions, and its gotten to the point where he has missed the same amount of games that he has played in. In his 9 starts this season, Wade is averaging 19.6 points, 4.3 rebounds and 5.4 assists. Not exactly tearing down the rim, but being hurt will slow a guy down.

I wanted to get a professional take on Wade and his injuries, so I spoke to a close friend who is a podiatrist (foot doctor) and asked him to give his opinion on Dwyane's ailments and what is likely being done to get him back on the court. Here is what Dr. Bauman had to say:

A sprain is a complete or partial tear of a ligament. Most ankle sprains involve several ligaments on the outer part of the ankle joint, as well as the capsule, the rubbery tissue that surrounds a joint. When the joint is sprained, 1 or more of these structures partially or totally tears, making the joint unstable, also causing significant swelling and pain, as well as muscle guarding. Milder sprains respond more quickly, often only needing additional taping of the ankle, a regular process of the trainer.

More involved sprains often need ice, compression with a boot or cast, and sometimes crutches, and anti-inflammatory medication, and depending on how long the individual has been recuperating, particularly the athlete, rehab to get that player back to game shape. In severe instances, including those that either additional rupture ankle tendons, or those similar-appearing injuries that cause ankle fractures or those at the near end of the 5th metatarsal (the bone behind the pinkie toe), often surgery is required, including insertion of screws [think Ahmad Bradshaw].

A bruise is generally a blow to bone, not causing it to break, but injuring the soft tissues around the bone. It can involve guarding of neighboring muscles trying to protect the injured area. Often swelling occurs, and ice, anti-inflammatory medication, and rest are the required treatments.

Calf injuries involve the muscle above the Achilles tendon in the back of the lower leg. Injury to this muscle makes it very difficult to bring the front of the foot down and difficult and painful to push off one's toes. Heat, rest, and, often, anti-inflammatory medication are how this injury is treated.

I appreciate the input from Dr. Bauman, and if you have any questions for him just leave them in the comments and I'll do my best to get them answered.