A high ankle sprain is also known as a Syndesmosis injury.
It is a tear of the anterior tibiofibular ligament which joins the tibia and fibula together just above the ankle. This ankle injury is generally more severe and more complicated to treat than a normal ankle sprain.
Symptoms
- Pain when pressing in on the tibiofibular ligament at the front of the ankle.
- Swelling and bruising will be seen at the front and outside of the ankle.
- You will have difficulty walking.
- Pain is reproduced by rotating and dorsiflexing the ankle
Causes
A high ankle sprain occurs from a twisting or rotational injury. They are common in sports, especially impact sports. An external rotation, when the foot is turned towards the outside with respect to the leg, most commonly causes these tears. A high ankle sprain also can occur if the ankle is broken
Anatomy
A high ankle sprain is a tear of the tibiofibular ligament at the top of the ankle.
It is sometimes associated with a fracture of one of the lower leg bones and is often more severe than the normal lateral ankle sprain. It can also be more problematic to treat.
The most commonly injured ligament in a high ankle sprain is the anterior tibiofibular ligament.
Severe injuries can also cause damage to the syndesmosis which is a membrane connecting the Tibia and Fibula
Treatment
Once you rupture or overstretch these high ankle ligaments, the bones of your lower leg move apart with every step causing pain and loss of your passive ankle stability. You will often require crutches or a walking boot during this phase. While “unstable” injuries will usually require surgery, “stable” injuries can regularly undertake conservative treatment.
- Injury Protection, Pain Relief & Control Inflammation
- Regain Full Range of Motion
- Strengthen your Ankle and Calf Muscles
- Restore Joint Proprioception & Balance
- Restore Normal Function
- Walking
- Running
- Jumping & Landing
- Speed & Agility
- Sport-Specific Skills
- Resume Sport
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