High ankle sprains involve an injury to the high ankle ligaments that connect the tibia to the fibula. These high ankle ligaments, also called the syndesmosis, are less commonly injured compared to the lateral ligaments on the outside of the ankle joint. The reason why these high ankle ligaments aren’t injured as frequently as the lateral ankle ligaments is because there is a specific mechanism involved in a high ankle sprain, whereas a low ankle sprain can occur any time you miss a step and roll your ankle.
In today’s blog, we take a closer look at the forces at play during a high ankle sprain and how Dr. Silverman can help you overcome a high ankle sprain.
What Happens During A High Ankle Sprain?
A high ankle sprain occurs when an extreme force is placed on the leg while the foot is turned towards the outside with respect to the leg, also known as an external rotation mechanism. When a large amount of force is channeled through your ankle while it’s in an externally rotated position, the strain is displaced on the syndesmosis, which can result in tearing or micro-damage of these ligaments.
This type of injury is oftentimes seen in football players who are tackled while their leg is in an externally rotated position. The extra force of the tackle forces the ankle to roll inward, stressing the high ankle ligaments that connect your tibia to your fibula.
Symptoms of a high ankle sprain include:
- Significant pain, typically just above the ankle area
- Inability to walk or bear weight on the foot
- Swelling
- Numbness
- Bruising/Discoloration
It is not uncommon for this type of injury to also result in a fracture of the fibula. Both injuries may feel similar in the moment, and you can understand the extent of your injuries by connecting with a foot and ankle specialist.
Diagnosing And Treating High Ankle Sprains
If you’ve suffered a significant ankle sprain and want to learn more about the injury or rule out a fracture, set up an appointment with a foot and ankle specialist like Dr. Silverman. He’ll talk with you about the incident and the symptoms you’re currently experiencing. He’ll also examine the area with his eyes and hands to look for indications of a fracture or specific ligament damage. To determine the full extent of the damage, he’ll order a imaging test.
An X-ray can help to spot a fibula fracture, and the spacing between the tibia and fibula may be assessed through X-ray to determine possible high ankle ligament damage. It’s also possible that a more detailed imaging test like an MRI or CT scan may be ordered to asses the ligament health and the relationship of the tibia with the fibula.
If you’re diagnosed with a high ankle sprain and your doctor is happy with the location of the tibia and fibula, they’ll likely recommend non-operative treatment. This will involve weeks of RICE, which stands for Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation, alongside other helpful options like physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications. They may also place you in a cast or walking boot during your recovery to help protect the area. Many people are able to return to normal activities within 6-8 weeks following a high ankle sprain.
If there is concern about the location of the tibia and fibula, surgery may be recommended. A minimally invasive operation can address the high ankle area, and then you’ll follow many of the treatments given for non-operative treatment, although recovery will take longer following an operation. Many people will be fully recovered 3-4 months after their high ankle sprain surgery, assuming everything goes as planned during their rehabilitation.