The NFL season is only a day away, which means you’ll probably begin to hear the term “high ankle sprain” on a more regular basis. So what exactly are these analysts talking about when they reference a high ankle sprain, and what is really going on inside the ankle? We answer some of the most frequently asked questions about high ankle sprains in this blog.
What is a high ankle sprain?
The high ankle ligaments in your ankle connect your tibia to your fibula, and they provide more stability for your ankle than the more commonly injured ligaments on the outside of your ankle. A high ankle sprain occurs when tearing takes place in these ligaments.
What’s the difference between a high ankle sprain and a regular ankle sprain?
A normal ankle sprain occurs when damage or tearing of the lateral ankle ligaments takes place. A high ankle sprain involves tearing to the ankle ligaments that connect your tibia and your fibula, which are stronger ligaments.
How does a high ankle sprain occur?
Mechanically, a high ankle sprain typically occurs when your foot experiences an excessive outward twisting while it is planted on the ground. This force stresses the high ankle ligaments as opposed to the more common lateral ankle ligaments. They are most common in impact sports like football and soccer.
What are the symptoms of a high ankle sprain?
Symptoms of a high ankle sprain include pain, localized tenderness, swelling and bruising in the ankle and foot, although this bruising is generally higher than than the bruising you’d experience during a common lateral ankle sprain.
How are high ankle sprains diagnosed?
This is a good question, because it can be difficult to diagnose a high ankle sprain. That’s because they are often misdiagnosed as a mild sprain, and thus patients don’t get the proper treatment. X-rays can help diagnose the condition, but sometimes I prefer to conduct a musculoskeletal ultrasound. This allows me to watch the ankle joint and confirm the status of the ankle and the nearby structures. This gives me a more thorough picture than doctors who are using less-detailed imaging techniques, which helps us ensure we are treating the underlying cause.
How are high ankle sprains treated?
Treatment of a high ankle sprain involves ensuring that the tibia and fibula remain in the correct position with respect to one another. This is typically done with RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation). You may also benefit from a walking boot for the first few days while swelling and tenderness are at their apex. Physical therapy can help restrengthen the ligaments and tendons once swelling has subsided. You likely won’t need surgery unless another injury like a bone chip or fracture occurred at the time of the high ankle sprain.
How long does a high ankle sprain take to recover?
It usually takes about six weeks from the date of injury for an athlete to return to sporting activities, but that timeline can be extended depending on the severity of the sprain. If the ankle bones are displaced and surgery is needed, you usually need 3-4 months to make a full recovery.