Whether you are playing a sport, out for a run or walk, or just stepped the wrong way, an ankle sprain can happen to anyone.
Most ankle sprains are low ankle injuries or inversion sprains. These injuries are treated differently than high ankle sprains.
High ankle sprains, also known as syndesmosis injuries, are less common, but they can be more serious and take longer to heal.
What Is a High Ankle Sprain?
A high ankle sprain occurs when you stretch or tear the ligaments, called syndesmosis, above the ankle joint between the two lower leg bones (the tibia and fibula). The syndesmosis works together as shock absorbers to stabilize the ankle joint when it’s under force and prevent your lower leg bones from spreading too far apart.
This injury occurs when the foot is flexed upward, and a rotational force is applied through the lower leg.
High ankle sprains can range from mild to severe, depending on the amount of damage to the ligaments. The three grades of sprains are:
- Grade I sprain – mild stretching or tearing of the ligaments
- Grade II sprain – partially torn ligaments
- Grade III sprain – complete tear of the ligaments
Symptoms of a High Ankle Sprain
- Pain in the front and above the ankle, especially with bearing weight or when rotating your foot outwards
- Worsening pain during activities that require you to flex your ankle, such as climbing stairs
- Tenderness to the touch above the ankle
- Swelling above the ankle
- Bruising above the ankle
Recovery
Compared to low ankle sprains, there is usually a longer period of immobilization for high ankle sprains to respect the healing process. There are often concerns about stability after a high ankle sprain. In some instances, a return to adequate stability for high ankle sprains can take longer, with more intense rehabilitation required.
As with any injury, the recovery timeframe will often depend on the extent of damage to the ligaments.
- On average, it takes 6-8 weeks to return to your normal activities for mild to moderate high ankle sprains.
- For severe cases of high ankle sprains, such as when the tibia or fibula become displaced, treatment may require surgery. If surgery is required, recovery takes an average 3-4 months.
- When identified early a stable high ankle sprain is treated with a cast or boot for the first 6 weeks. Once the cast is removed, due to the immobilization, the joints from the ankle to the toes are stiff. Proper physical therapy is key to restore the range of motion, strength, balance and to prevent future injury.
Receiving diagnosis and treatment immediately following a high ankle sprain is vitally important to recovery time and the treatment plan.
Our physical therapists will work with you one-on-one to develop a holistic, customized program to guide your recovery and get you back to your sports and activities stronger and safer than ever before!
