A sprained ankle is an injury that occurs when you roll, twist or turn your ankle in an awkward way. This can stretch or tear the tough bands of tissue (ligaments) that help hold your ankle bones together. Ligaments help stabilize joints, preventing excessive movement.
How long does it take to recover from a high ankle sprain?
How long does a high ankle sprain take to heal? It might take you six to eight weeks to recover from a high ankle sprain. If you're an athlete, your return to play might take an even longer time. Low ankle sprains generally heal quicker than this.
What is the fastest way to heal a high ankle sprain?
TreatmentRest. Avoid activities that cause pain, swelling or discomfort.Ice. Use an ice pack or ice slush bath immediately for 15 to 20 minutes and repeat every two to three hours while you're awake. ... Compression. To help stop swelling, compress the ankle with an elastic bandage until the swelling stops. ... Elevation.
Is a high ankle sprain worse?
“A high ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments between tibia and fibula become torn or stretched. This type of sprain is more of a rotational injury rather than a roll of the ankle. Unlike a low ankle sprain, a high ankle sprain is more significant of an injury. This type often takes about twice as long to heal.”
What does high ankle sprain feel like?
You will typically feel pain that radiates up your leg from the ankle. Pain is often worse with weightbearing or when pivoting on your foot. High ankle sprains do not typically cause a great degree of swelling or bruising.
Is it OK to walk on a sprained ankle?
While it is possible to walk on a sprained ankle, it isn't recommended. Walking on a sprained ankle can delay the healing process and increase your risk for complications. Ankle pain, instability, and arthritis are common complications of a sprained ankle.
Should you wrap a high ankle sprain?
A compression wrap is used to prevent swelling, which can help your ankle feel better.
Do you need crutches for a sprained ankle?
Your doctor may recommend not putting any weight on the injured area for 48 to 72 hours, so you may need to use crutches. A splint or brace also may be helpful initially. But don't avoid all activity. Even with an ankle sprain, you can usually still exercise other muscles to minimize deconditioning.
How do you tape a high ankle sprain?
1:353:28How to tape a high ankle sprain - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then a spiral across we're going to come in the opposite direction as well so hooking on theMoreAnd then a spiral across we're going to come in the opposite direction as well so hooking on the back of the lower fibula.
What are the 3 types of ankle sprains?
There are three types of ankle sprains based on how much ligament damage occurred:Grade 1 (Mild). The ligament fibers stretched slightly or there is a very small tear. ... Grade 2 (Moderate). The ligament is torn, but it isn't a complete tear. ... Grade 3 (Severe). The ligament is torn completely.
How do I know if my ankle sprain is serious?
People with a more severe ankle sprain — characterized by extreme bruising or swelling and an inability to bear weight on the foot without significant pain, or when there doesn't seem to be any improvement over the first several days after the injury — should seek medical attention, Drs. SooHoo and Williams say.
How is a high ankle sprain diagnosed?
With the external rotation test, your surgeon will bend your knee and place your ankle in neutral or 90 degrees with the foot in relation to the leg, and the foot is turned to the outside. If there is pain at the ankle area, this suggests a high ankle sprain.
Can you run with a high ankle sprain?
Despite the fact that most athletes who experience a low ankle sprain can return to sports within one to three weeks following the injury, those players who sustain a high ankle sprain are often out of sports for four to six weeks depending upon the injury severity.
How can I speed up my ankle recovery?
TreatmentRest. Avoid doing the activity that caused the sprain, such as running or playing sports. ... Ice. Using ice packs can help reduce swelling and pain.Compression. Taping the sprained toe to an adjacent healthy toe can be helpful. ... Elevation.
How long does a Grade 2 high ankle sprain take to heal?
Grade 2 is a moderately severe injury that allows the ligament to excessively stretch. Most of the time to recovery from a grade 2 injury it requires 6 to 12 weeks. The rehabilitation process becomes more complex and extensive depending on the grade of the injury.
Can a sprained ankle heal in 3 days?
After 2 to 3 days protocol, a mild sprain will be mostly healed and ready for you to resume normal activity. A moderate or severe sprain may require you to keep up these treatment steps for longer—up to several weeks.
Can I walk on my sprained ankle after 3 days?
Grade 1 sprains cause little damage to the ligaments, and although the ankle will be tender for a few days, you can walk on it after a short period of rest. Grade 2 sprains have some tearing of the tissues and a longer recovery time of up to 4 weeks.
What Is A Syndesmosis Joint?
A high ankle sprain usually occurs in combination with medial ligament injuries and/or distal tibia/fibula fractures. They are significant injuries...
Signs and Symptoms of A High Ankle Sprain
The difficulty with these types of injuries is that they are often associated with severe lateral or medial ankle sprains or fibular fractures. How...
Diagnosing A High Ankle Sprain
Because syndesmotic sprains can be associated with lateral ligament injuries, medial ligament injuries, and fractures of the fibula, x-rays of the...
Who Gets A High Ankle Sprain?
The incidence of a high ankle sprains has been reported to be as much as 10% of all ankle sprains. However, many times they go undiagnosed because...
Causes of High Ankle Sprain
The more serious ankle injuries often occur when an athlete lands on the foot of another athlete when returning back to the ground from a jump. The...
How Can I Help Prevent A High Ankle Sprain?
Because a high ankle sprain is a severe ankle injury, preventing a syndesmotic injury can follow the same principles as preventing a regular ankle...
High Ankle Sprain Treatment
Although the treatment for a high ankle sprain follows the same principles as the treatment for a regular ankle sprain, the time frame may be much...
High Ankle Sprain Recovery Time and Returning to Sport
It is important to understand that because the structures involved in a syndesmotic sprain can lead to instability of the primary ankle joint, reha...
Who gets a high ankle sprain?
However, many times they go undiagnosed because the focus is often on injuries to the more commonly sprained lateral ankle ligaments.
How long does it take to heal a high ankle sprain?
Partial syndesmosis ruptures are treated with immobilization in a walking cast or boot for a minimum of two weeks and longer if necessary depending on the severity of the injury.
What is the membrane that secures the tibia and fibula to the talus?
This membrane secures the two bones and helps stabilize the tibia and fibula to the talus forming the talocrural joint (primary ankle joint) also known as the ankle mortise. This joint is responsible for dorsiflexion and plantarflexion (movements up and down of the foot).
How long does it take to recover from a sprain ankle?
ALL ANKLE SPRAINS ARE NOT THE SAME. Recovery from a mild ankle sprain may take several days whereas recovery from a severe high ankle sprain may take several months. In contrast, recovery from a partial syndesmosis rupture may take several months whereas recovery from a full rupture may take up to six months.
What is the most common injury in sports?
Ankle injuries are one of the most common injuries in sports constituting approximately 10% of all acute injuries that are treated by physicians. A sprained ankle can occur on the lateral side of the ankle which is (most common), the medial side of the ankle (least common) or can occur as a syndesmotic sprain when the ligaments between ...
How to reduce the incidence of ankle injuries?
The following can be done by the athlete to try to reduce the incidence of ankle injuries: • Maintain strong ankle muscles by strengthening them regularly with ankle band exercises performing 3 sets of 10 repetitions in all four ankle directions. • Wear proper, well-fitted shoes appropriate for the sport.
Can a ski accident cause a syndesmotic injury?
Syndesmotic injuries can also occur in skiing accidents when the foot is stabilized in the boot and the body rotates as during a fall when the bindings do not release. The force of the body twisting initially tears the ankle ligaments. However, if the force continues, the interosseus membrane can be torn up the length of the lower leg.
What causes a high ankle sprain?
A high ankle sprain occurs from a twisting or rotational injury. They are common in sports, especially impact sports. An external rotation mechanism most commonly causes these tears, when the foot is turned towards the outside with respect to the leg. A high ankle sprain also can occur if the ankle is broken. In some cases, the ligament on the inside of the ankle (the deltoid) will be torn. In this event, the energy of the injury (indicated on the diagram with blue arrows) passes from the deltoid, through the high ankle ligaments (syndesmosis), and up the leg through the fibula. This causes the fibula to be broken at a very high level. This type of fracture is called a Maisonneuve fracture. Patients with a high ankle sprain without fracture may be able to bear weight, but will have pain over the junction between the tibia and fibula just above the level of the ankle (green circle). This is higher than the more traditional sprains (purple circle).
What does it mean when your ankle is high?
Patients who have a high ankle ligament tear usually will have pain just above the level of the ankle, thus a "high" ankle sprain. They may also have tenderness over the deltoid ligament if they have a Maisonneuve injury, as noted above. It is important to touch the area to assess whether pain is just around the lateral ankle ligaments or higher.
Why is it important to have stability between the tibia and fibula?
It is important to have stability between the tibia and fibula at this level because walking and running place a tremendous amount of force at this junction. A high ankle sprain, also called a syndesmotic injury, occurs when there is tearing and damage to the high ankle ligaments. These injuries are much less common than a traditional ankle sprain.
What is the best way to see if you have a broken ankle?
X-rays are very important. A broken bone must be looked for. Three views of the ankle including the whole leg are needed. A fracture on the back portion of the tibia may indicate an injury to the high ankle ligaments given that this is where the PITFL attaches. It also is important to look for increased space between the tibia and the fibula as the high ankle ligaments keep these bones in place. Special imaging may be used, such as an MRI or CT scan, to assess the relationship of the tibia with the fibula.
How to heal a sprained ankle?
It is very important to note that these injuries can take a lot longer to heal than "low" ankle sprains. If you have a sprain but do not have a broken bone, the treatment immediately following the injury is to rest the leg, ice for 20 minutes every two to three hours, gently compress the leg with an ACE wrap, and elevate the leg with the toes higher than the nose. You may have enough tenderness to require a removable walking boot. Physical therapy may include strengthening the tendons on the outside of the ankle called the peroneals, as well as getting back the movement in the ankle and returning to activities.
Where are the high ankle ligaments located?
The high ankle ligaments (also called the syndesmosis) are located above the ankle, as opposed to the more commonly injured ligaments on the outside of the ankle. These high ankle ligaments connect the tibia to the fibula. It is important to have stability between the tibia and fibula at this level because walking and running place ...
What happens if you break your ankle?
If there is not an associated ankle fracture, patients may notice increased pain with activities that cause the ankle to be flexed up placing more stretch on the injured ligaments. Activities like climbing stairs are the most common as the ankle joint is loaded and the talus bone is driven upwards placing stress on the high ankle ligaments.
What happens when your ankle is sprained?
A sprain occurs when your ankle is forced to move out of its normal position, which can cause one or more of the ankle's ligaments to stretch, partially tear or tear completely.
Why do ankles sprain?
Poor physical condition. Poor strength or flexibility in the ankles may increase the risk of a sprain when participating in sports.
What is the ligament that holds your ankle together?
Most ankle sprains involve injuries to the three ligaments on the outside of your ankle. Ligaments are tough bands of tissue that stabilize joints and help prevent excessive movement. An ankle sprain occurs when you roll, twist or turn your ankle in an awkward way. This can stretch or tear the ligaments that help hold your ankle bones together.
How to treat a sprained ankle?
Although self-care measures and over-the-counter pain medications may be all you need, a medical evaluation might be necessary to reveal how badly you've sprained your ankle and to determine the appropriate treatment.
What is the purpose of ligaments in ankle?
Ligaments help stabilize joints, preventing excessive movement. A sprained ankle occurs when the ligaments are forced beyond their normal range of motion. Most sprained ankles involve injuries to the ligaments on the outer side of the ankle. Treatment for a sprained ankle depends on the severity of the injury.
What happens if you don't treat a sprained ankle?
Failing to treat a sprained ankle properly, engaging in activities too soon after spraining your ankle or spraining your ankle repeatedly might lead to the following complications: Chronic ankle pain. Chronic ankle joint instability. Arthritis in the ankle joint.
What to do if you have a sprain in your ankle?
Call your doctor if you have pain and swelling in your ankle and you suspect a sprain. Self-care measures may be all you need, but talk to your doctor to discuss whether you should have your ankle evaluated. If signs and symptoms are severe, you may have significant damage to a ligament or a broken bone in your ankle or lower leg.
What is a high ankle sprain?
A high ankle sprain is one in which the syndesmotic ligaments are sprained. Our ankles are made of three bones: the tibia, fibula, and talus. Connected, these bones form the ankle joint.
Why is it so hard to diagnose a high ankle sprain?
High ankle sprains are said to be harder to diagnose due to the small amount of swelling that occurs. Normal ankle sprains are usually accompanied by significant swelling, making it hard to determine the actual severity of the injury.
How Can I Prevent High Ankle Sprains?
This is because the ligaments remain looser than normal even after they have healed. Here are a few prevention tips to help you avoid high ankle sprains:
What happens if your ankle is unstable?
If the ankle is unstable, at least two, and possibly all three of the syndesmotic ligaments are torn, and the tibia and fibula are displaced.
What happens when your ankle rolls outward?
During normal ankle sprains, the foot rolls inward. High ankle sprains occur when the ankle and foot roll outward, spraining the syndesmotic ligament.
What are the best ways to protect your ankle?
Bra ces, splints, and casts may also be used to minimize movement of the lower leg, ankle, and foot. Ambulatory devices such as crutches are used to protect the ankle from further injury if a person needs to be mobile.
What is grade 1 pain?
Grade 1: There is usually mild pain. The ligaments are somewhat stretched, and perhaps there is minor tearing. There is minimal joint pain or difficulty walking.
How Do You Know If You Sprain an Ankle?
The precise symptoms of a sprain depend on how badly you’ve stretched or torn the ligaments. A more severe sprain results in the most painful symptoms, while you might experience only one or two of the following symptoms with minor sprains:
Why Do Ankle Sprains Happen?
Most sprained ankles occur as a result of sports such as climbing, football, running, basketball, trampolining or volleyball. That said, you might also have sprained your ankle going about your daily business. Weight-bearing movements that can lead to ankle sprain include:
Risk Factors for Ankle Sprains
Regularly taking part in sports naturally increases your risk. However, you’re most at risk when you’re untrained or new to a sport. There are some other risk factors that make you more prone to ankle sprains:
How to Prevent a Sprained Ankle
Almost all ankle sprains make you more vulnerable to repeat injury. However, there are some things you can do to prevent this from happening:
What are the symptoms of a sprain ankle?
bruising. pain. inability to put weight on the affected ankle. skin discoloration. stiffness. The ankle can sustain many different types of injuries. It’s important to see your doctor when you’re experiencing problems with your ankle. Your doctor can determine whether the injury is a sprain or something more severe.
What is ankle sprain?
An ankle sprain is an injury to the tough bands of tissue (ligaments) that surround and connect the bones of the leg to the foot. The injury typically happens when you accidentally twist or turn your ankle in an awkward way. This can stretch or tear the ligaments that hold your ankle bones and joints together.
How long does it take for an ankle sprain to heal?
Most ankle sprains take a few weeks to fully heal. A more severe sprain may take months. Although pain and swelling will eventually go away, your injured ankle may not be as stable as your unaffected ankle. Your doctor may suggest certain exercises to help strengthen the muscle about the ankle.
How to prevent ankle sprains?
You can lower your risk for future sprains by: 1 wrapping the affected ankle in an elastic bandage 2 wearing a brace, if necessary 3 performing strengthening exercises 4 avoiding high heels 5 warming up before exercising 6 wearing sturdy, quality footwear 7 paying attention to surfaces you’re walking on 8 slowing or stopping activities when you feel fatigued
What is the procedure to repair a torn ligament in the ankle?
Reconstruction: For reconstruction surgery, a surgeon will repair the torn ligament with stitches. They may also use other ligaments or tendons around the foot or ankle to repair the damaged ligaments. The type of surgery needed will depend on the severity of your ankle sprain and your activity level.
Why does my ankle twist inward?
During physical activity, the ankle may twist inward as a result of sudden or unexpected movement. This causes one or more ligaments around the ankle to stretch or tear.
How long does it take to recover from ankle surgery?
You’ll need to attend regular follow-up appointments with your doctor and complete physical therapy exercises to regain motion and strengthen the muscle about the ankle. Depending on the extent of your ankle sprain and the type of surgery, rehabilitation can take weeks or months.
Overview
Symptoms
Causes
Risk Factors
Complications
Prevention