Recovery time
6-12 weeks, sometimes longer
Severity
Moderate to Severe
Typical causes
Twisting, external rotation, sudden direction changes, sports injuries
Prevention
Ankle strengthening, proper technique, ankle braces, avoid sudden twisting
Table of Contents
What Is a High Ankle Sprain?
A high ankle sprain, also known as a syndesmosis injury, is a sprain of the ligaments that connect the tibia and fibula bones above the ankle joint. Unlike a regular ankle sprain, this injury affects the ligaments higher up on the leg.
High ankle sprains are more serious than regular ankle sprains and take longer to heal. The injury typically occurs from twisting or external rotation of the ankle and can cause significant pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight.
Symptoms and Causes
Symptoms of high ankle sprains
Common symptoms include:
- Pain above ankle: Discomfort higher up on the leg
- Swelling: Significant inflammation
- Difficulty bearing weight: Cannot walk normally
- Tenderness: Soreness when pressing on the area
- Pain with rotation: Discomfort when rotating the foot
- Bruising: Discoloration that develops
High ankle sprain causes
High ankle sprains typically occur due to:
- Twisting: Forceful rotation of the ankle
- External rotation: Foot rotating outward
- Sudden direction changes: Quick pivoting movements
- Sports injuries: Football, basketball, soccer
- Previous injury: Incompletely healed ankle injuries
Risk factors
Risk factors include sports involving twisting, previous ankle injury, weak ankle muscles, and activities involving sudden direction changes.
Complications of high ankle sprains
If not properly treated, complications can include chronic instability, arthritis, reduced function, and ongoing pain.
Diagnosis and Tests
How you can diagnose high ankle sprains
If you experience severe ankle pain with difficulty bearing weight after a twisting injury, seek medical attention. Do not attempt to self-diagnose.
Tests that can help diagnose high ankle sprains
Healthcare professionals use physical examination, squeeze test, X-ray to assess bone alignment, and MRI if needed.
Management and Treatment
How do you heal a high ankle sprain?
Treatment includes RICE protocol (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation), immobilization (boot or cast), physical therapy, and in severe cases, surgical fixation.
High ankle sprain recovery time
Recovery time varies from 6-12 weeks or longer depending on severity. High ankle sprains take longer to heal than regular ankle sprains.
What Could Help
Several products can aid recovery:
- Ankle braces: Ankle braces for support
- Crutches: Crutches for mobility
- Ice packs: Reusable ice packs for inflammation
- Resistance bands: Resistance bands for rehabilitation
Prevention
How can I prevent a high ankle sprain?
Preventive measures include ankle strengthening, proper technique, ankle braces, avoid sudden twisting movements, and address previous injuries.