A high ankle sprain can sideline you for weeks or months if a quick diagnosis is not made. As the most severe type of ankle sprain, it frequently involves a fracture and other complications, meaning it is not a problem to be ignored. Obtaining all the correct information from symptoms to treatment will help you recover faster. Take a look at this informative injury guide to get you back on your feet!
What is a High Ankle Sprain?
The ankle joint is comprised of the tibia, fibula, and talus, connected by many ligaments and tendons that hold this joint together. The high ankle ligaments join together the lower parts of the tibia and fibula and are called the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis. When the high ankle ligaments are torn or damaged pain is felt above the ankle joint.
High Ankle Sprain Causes
High ankle sprains are characteristically caused when the foot is turned toward the outside of the body, unlike a lateral ankle sprain where the injury is usually when the foot rolls inward. High ankle sprains are much less common than a lateral ankle sprain and take quite a bit longer to heal.
Here are a few of the most common causes of high ankle sprains:
- Sports
- Unexpected falls
- Slips on ice
- Extensive running or walking
- Car accidents
High Ankle Sprain Symptoms
High ankle sprain symptoms are different from related conditions but can be just as serious. If you have the symptoms listed below, immobilize your ankle and make an appointment with your doctor.
- Bruising and swelling, especially above the ankle bone
- Pain above the ankle joint
- Unable to walk without the support of crutches
- Significant pain when attempting to push off the toes or rotate your foot outward
High Ankle Sprain Treatment
How to treat a high ankle sprain is a question that all people have after they’ve injured their ankle. Treatment varies based on severity, and the faster you obtain treatment the faster you will recover.
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Ice
Ice therapy decreases swelling and pain in your ankle after an injury. Ice your ankle for twenty minutes at a time every two hours while you are awake. It is recommended to follow this protocol for the first 48-72 hours after an ankle injury. The perfect ice pack is flexible when cold, so as to not hurt your ankle when you wrap it.
A quality ice pack is one of the most versatile and effective treatments for sprains of all kinds. Get yours today. ( See Product )
Products that Help Reduce High Ankle Sprain
High Ankle Sprain Recovery Time
It is very important to note that high ankle sprain recovery is significantly different than the common lateral ankle sprain. High ankle sprain recovery time depends on the severity of the sprain and if surgery is necessary, taking several months to recover if surgery is not needed. If you do have surgery expect up to six months for a full recovery.
Moving on After a High Ankle Sprain
A high ankle sprain is a painful injury that occurs when the syndesmosis ligament between the tibia and fibula is damaged. It is different than the typical ankle sprain and requires immediate and specialized treatment. If you are suffering from pain above your ankle, this guide will answer all your questions and help you get back to the activities you love faster!
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3438867/
https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/sprained-ankle/
https://www.aofas.org/footcaremd/conditions/ailments-of-the-ankle/Pages/High-Ankle-Sprain.aspx
