It's very common to sprain your ankle, isn't it? Sometimes it can be a minor twist, but sometimes it can be a bit more severe. Have you ever heard of a "High Ankle Sprain"? This is a little different than a regular ankle sprain, and it also takes a little longer to heal. Let's talk about this in detail today, like talking to a friend.
What is a high ankle sprain?
Simply put, a high ankle sprain is a tear or damage to the ligaments that connect your shin bone (the tibia) to the outside of your shin bone (the fibula). This ligament is medically known as the syndesmosis. Your doctor may also call it a syndesmotic injury.
Imagine, the bones of our legs connect to the bones of the foot at the ankle joint. The ankle joint has an upper part and a lower part. The upper part is the ``Tibia`` and ``Fibula`` bones. Between these two bones and to the bones of the foot, there is a bone called ``Talus``. Ligaments are fibrous tissues, like strong threads or bands. These are what connect the bones to each other and keep the joints stable.
What is the difference between a high ankle sprain and a low ankle sprain?
The difference between the two is not just the location of the injury. A high ankle sprain occurs when your ankle is flexed up and you twist it inward or outward. This is often caused by a bump.
However, a low ankle sprain, which we usually call a "sprained ankle," occurs when the ankle rolls inward. Sometimes it can also happen when it rolls outward. In these low ankle sprains, the ligaments above it are not damaged. That is, if you simply roll your leg while running or jumping, a low ankle sprain often occurs.
What ligaments can be damaged in a high ankle sprain?
There are several major ligaments that can be damaged in a high ankle sprain:
- Anterior Inferior Tibiofibular Ligament: This is located on the front of the Tibia and Fibula bones.
- Posterior Inferior Tibiofibular Ligament: This is located on the back of the Tibia and Fibula bones.
- Interosseous Membrane: This is like a membrane. It is located between the two bones `(Tibia)` and `(Fibula)` and helps to keep the two bones stable.
Any of these ligaments can be stretched, torn in half, or completely torn in a high ankle sprain.
How common are high ankle sprains?
In fact, high ankle sprains are not as common as low ankle sprains. They are most often seen in athletes. Specifically:
- Football
- Basketball
- Wrestling
- Ice hockey
- Skiing
- Soccer
This condition is most common among people who play sports such as basketball, volleyball, and volleyball. This is because these sports involve a high risk of sudden impacts, falls, and unnatural twisting of the legs.
What are the symptoms of a high ankle sprain?
If you have a high ankle sprain, you may experience symptoms like these:
- Some swelling in the ankle area, but it may not be as severe as a low ankle sprain.
- It's hard to put weight on the injured leg, especially doing things like climbing stairs.
- You will be unable to stand on your toes (roll your hair). Doing so may cause severe pain.
- Bruising begins a few days after the injury. This can sometimes be seen just above the ankle.
The most important thing is to see a doctor if you have these symptoms, and not just assume it's a "sprain."
What are the causes of high ankle sprains?
As we've talked about before, a high ankle sprain occurs when your foot is flexed upward and suddenly twists inward, outward, or to the side. This is more likely to happen with a collision than simply rolling your foot. For example, if you're running and someone hits your foot, or if you land on your foot incorrectly while jumping. This is often the case when you're running or jumping.
How is a high ankle sprain diagnosed?
When you go to a doctor, they will first ask you how this happened, your medical history, etc. Then they will do a physical examination.
To diagnose a high ankle sprain, your doctor may do the following:
- You will be seated in a chair, with your knees bent and your feet and ankles hanging down. The doctor will then push your foot up and rotate it slightly outward. If you feel any sharp pain, it is likely a high ankle sprain. The doctor may also perform this test a few days after the injury.
- The syndesmosis squeeze test is performed. In this test, the doctor squeezes your tibia and fibula bones together. This puts pressure on the interosseous membrane that separates the bones. If you feel pain in the top of your leg, it is likely a high ankle sprain.
- They press on the area where the ``Interosseous Membrane'' is located to see if there is any pain.
- The ligament in front of the ankle is tightened to see if there is any pain.
- In addition, the doctor may order imaging tests. For example, an X-ray, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan, CT (Computed Tomography) scan, and possibly even an ultrasound. An MRI is the best test to diagnose a high ankle sprain. However, the doctor may first order an X-ray to check for other conditions, such as fractures.
How do you treat a high ankle sprain?
When you have an injury like this, you can start treating it with the RICE method for the first three to five days. That means:
- R - Rest: Rest the injured leg. Don't move around too much.
- I - Ice: Apply ice for 15-20 minutes several times a day. This will reduce swelling and pain. Do not apply the ice directly to the skin, but wrap it in a cloth.
- C - Compression: Wrapping the ankle tightly with an elastic bandage. But not so tight that it cuts off blood flow.
- E - Elevation: Keep your leg elevated above your heart as much as possible, like on top of a pillow.
If you want to move around, you will have to use crutches.
For pain and swelling, you can use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that you can buy at a pharmacy. These can be taken as pills or sometimes applied as creams, lotions, or sprays. It's best to consult a doctor before using them.
Your doctor may also recommend a brace, tape, or cast to prevent your ankle from rolling up.
In addition, physical therapy is very important. It can include special exercises, exercises using therapeutic bands, and exercises in water (hydrotherapy). Exercising in water is easier because it puts less weight on the ankles.
Unless the injury is very severe, or the ankle remains unstable, surgery is unlikely to be necessary.
How long does it take for a high ankle sprain to heal?
It usually takes about six to eight weeks to recover from a high ankle sprain. If you are an athlete, it may take even longer to return to play. Low ankle sprains usually heal much faster, so it is important to be patient and treat them.
How can you reduce the risk of a high ankle sprain?
Ankle sprains are an accident. Accidents cannot be completely prevented. However, there are a few things you can do to reduce your chances of getting a high ankle sprain:
- Follow an exercise program that strengthens and flexes your joints.
- Do an exercise program that improves your balance and proprioception. Proprioception is your brain's sense of your body 's position. This is important for balance.
- Use protective equipment like braces or tape to protect your ankles while playing sports.
What is the outlook/prognosis for a high ankle sprain?
In most cases , a high ankle sprain can be treated successfully without surgery. However, you may be more likely to injure your ankle again. You may also develop some stiffness in the joint in the future. Therefore, it is important to treat it until it heals properly and then continue to exercise to keep your ankle strong.
When should you see a doctor for a high ankle sprain?
If your leg is injured and you can't put weight on it, you should definitely call a doctor or go to an emergency room. It's important to find out if you have a broken bone. Then, you should treat the injury as your doctor tells you to.
We've all sprained our ankles at some point, but if you injure your ankle while jumping or running, it could be a high ankle sprain. So, make sure to follow your doctor's instructions until you're fully recovered.
The most important things to remember (Take-Home Message)
- A high ankle sprain is a slightly more serious condition than a low ankle sprain. It occurs when the ligaments above the ankle are damaged.
- This often happens during sports, especially with collisions.
- Symptoms include swelling, difficulty bearing weight, inability to stand on the tips of the fingers, and subsequent bruising .
- It is essential to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment. An MRI scan is often necessary.
- The main treatments are the RICE method, painkillers, and physiotherapy. It can take 6-8 weeks or longer to heal.
- If you are patient with treatment, follow your doctor's instructions, and do exercises to strengthen your ankle, you can recover well.
If you have had a similar experience, or if you have any other questions about this, don't hesitate to talk to a doctor. Stay healthy!
` high ankle sprain, syndesmotic injury, ankle sprain, ligaments, tibia, fibula, sports injuries
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