The fancy term for a high ankle sprain is called a syndesmotic ankle sprain. The reason it’s called that is because the injury damages the syndesmotic ligament which connects the shin bone (tibia) to the fibula. It runs from the knee down to the ankle joint. It’s called a high ankle sprain, because it is above the ankle, even though it is still on the lower leg. This kind of sprain occurs when the lower leg and foot twist outward, instead of the more common inward twisting from a regular ankle sprain.
Check to see if you feel pain on the outside and front portion of your lower leg. The pain will most likely get worse if the foot or leg is twisted outward. Although anyone can get one of these sprains, it is most common in sports. The most common test for a high ankle sprain is the so called squeeze test. A rehab specialist will squeeze the calf and lower leg and slightly turn it. If there is pain above the ankle instead of localized in the ankle joint, it is most likely a high ankle sprain. If you have an injury, it is always best to have it checked by a specialist and/or doctor to make sure it is not more serious than a sprain.
What would be more serious? If the ligaments are torn, it may cause instability in the tibia and fibula. If you have this kind of instability, it may require surgery to fix, so be sure to check with your doctor. Unfortunately, surgery can require about 6 months (or more) to heal. They will put a few screws into the lower leg until the ligaments have healed and can keep the bones in place correctly. They usually keep the screws in for about 3 months.
But, if the ligaments have not sustained serious damage, the injury will be stable and that will allow you to follow a rehab program for a full recovery. If you follow a good rehab program, the injury can heal in about 1-2 weeks or less. But again, you have to make sure your doctor clears you for rehab before you begin and kind of treatment. If the ligaments are not strong enough to keep you stable, you can injure yourself further. But, assuming you are ready for a good rehab treatment, typically, the sooner the better. the body responds very quickly to a proper rehab program for an ankle sprain.
Although most people will just recommend ice, rest and elevation, we do not. We have come to believe that an active rehab program heals a high ankle sprain much better and much faster than rest, ice and elevation alone. The reason for this is that rehab heals helps eliminate scar tissue, heal neuromuscular damage and strengthens the weak ligaments. All of this is necessary for a full recovery. Fortunately, you don’t need to go to an expensive specialist any more to get good healing results. Try a good at home ankle rehab program instead.
