WITH A LAX LIGAMENT, THE ANKLE IS NO LONGER STABLE

ankle where the tibia and fibula (the two bones of the shin) come together. A sudden out ward splay levers these bones apart, stretching or tearing tjis connecting ligament. With a lax ligament the ankle is no longer stable. And taping won't help.
A high ankle sprain hurts as much as any sprain when it happens. The deception takes place weeks afterward. The athelete feels OK. He or she can do nearly all the activities of the sport without pain. The athlete, trainers and coaches all agree it's time to get back into the game.
But even the most sophisticated MRI can't tell you when a high ankle sprain has healed. All the player has to do is turn his or her ankle "just so" and the pain is back. And the player is back on the bench.
High ankle sprains cause high anxiety, and it's high time we gave them the respect they deserve. Hang in there, time heals all wounds-some just take longer than others.