The injury is diagnosed through clinical exam. Physicians can test the ankle for pain and flexibility, and because the injury has symptoms very similar to those of a fracture, X-rays are always taken as a precautionary measure. Immediately after the injury, the patient usually has the area immobilized and is usually on crutches for some time. Athletes are generally either unable to return to action, as in Clement's case, or not given clearance to return to action. Compression, which eliminates motion around the ankle joint, may require that an elastic bandage, splint, short leg cast, or brace be worn.
Some doctors believe that it was an unnecessary risk for Cleaves to re-enter the game.
He could have sustained a far more serious injury that could have jeopardized his NBA draft status and future career. The ankle can be taped and the athlete can wear high-top sneakers, but even with this added stability, the injury cannot be completely avoided. Stretching and strengthening can also decrease the chances of injuring the ankle, but only to a point. The recovery period for sprained ankles is usually around 3-6 weeks. This includes 7-14 days of immobilization and a slow program to regain strength and stability.