What is a High Ankle Sprain?
The term “high ankle sprain” refers to the stretching and/or tearing of the syndesmotic ligaments of the ankle. The syndesmotic ligaments of the ankle include the anterior tibiofibular ligament, the interosseous ligament, and the posterior-fibular ligaments. These three ligaments connect the tibia (i.e., shin bone) and fibula (i.e., calf bone) just above the ankle.
While low ankle sprains are caused by the foot twisting or rolling inward, a high ankle sprain is caused by the foot/lower leg twisting or rolling outward. High ankle sprains can be difficult to diagnose because there is typically much less swelling with a high ankle sprain as compared to a low ankle sprain.
High ankle sprains might be evidenced by pain when the ankle is rotated outward, or when the calf is squeezed (this latter approach is referred to as the “squeeze test”). However, proper diagnosis of a high ankle sprain often requires an x-ray and/or CT scan of the lower leg.
Treatment of a High Ankle Sprain
The recommended treatment of a high ankle sprain depends on the severity of the injury. Recovery times can range from 2-3 weeks for a minor high ankle sprain to six months or longer for a severe high ankle sprain.
In a stable high ankle sprain, the placement of the tibia and fibula remains normal, and the syndesmotic ligaments remain largely intact. A stable high ankle sprain can typically be treated by immobilization for a period of up to six weeks followed by rehabilitation.
In the case of an unstable high ankle sprain, two or all three of the syndesmotic ligaments are torn and the tibia and fibula are free to move around. In such cases, surgery is typically indicated, and a “syndesmotic screw” is used to hold the tibia and fibula in place while the syndesmotic ligaments heal. If surgery is required, recovery can take six months or longer.
Alphabetical Index of Injuries:
» Achilles Tendon Rupture» Achilles Tendonitis
» Calf Pull, Strain, or Tear
» Concussion
» Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS)
» Dislocated Shoulder
» Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
» Groin Pull, Strain, or Tear
» Hamstring Pull, Strain, or Tear
» Heel Spurs (Bone Spurs)
» High Ankle Sprain (Syndesmotic Ankle Sprain)
» Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS)
» Little League Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
» Plantar Fasciitis
» Runner’s Knee (Chondromalacia Patellae)
» Separated Shoulder
» Sever’s Disease (Calcaneal Apophysitis)
» Shin Splints
» Sprained AC Joint
» Sprained Ankle
» Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
» Torn Rotator Cuff
» Turf Toe (Metatarsalphalangeal Joint Sprain)