High Ankle Sprain Specialist

What is a high ankle sprain?

A high ankle sprain occurs when you over-extend or tear the ligaments in your high ankle (the syndesmosis). Your high ankle ligaments provide support for your tibia and fibula, the two longest bones in your lower leg. They help you perform daily motions like walking or climbing stairs.

Does a high ankle sprain present symptoms?

Symptoms of a high ankle sprain include:

• Pain that radiates up the leg
• Tenderness and swelling
• Difficulty putting weight on the affected foot
• Pain while standing or walking

If you have a high ankle sprain, you might also notice that your symptoms are worse whenever you put your ankle in the same position that the injury occurred.

What causes a high ankle sprain?

Often, high ankle sprains occur due to twisting or rotational injuries that happen while playing sports or exercising. For example, you might experience a high ankle sprain if your foot is overextended or you break your ankle. 

Anyone can experience a high ankle sprain, but they’re especially common in athletes who play contact sports like football, soccer, basketball, and lacrosse.

How is a high ankle sprain diagnosed?

To diagnose a high ankle sprain, Dr. Allen reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when they first started and if they respond to at-home treatments like ice and rest. 

Next, Dr. Allen performs several tests:

Squeeze test

During this test, Dr. Allen squeezes your leg just below the knee. If the pain radiates into your ankle, it means you have a high ankle sprain.

External rotation test

During this test, Dr. Allen carefully bends your knee in a neutral position, causing your affected foot to point at a 90-degree angle. If you experience ankle pain in this position, it means you have a high ankle sprain.

To determine the severity of your sprain, Dr. Allen also takes a series of X-rays.

How is a high ankle sprain treated?

Treatment of a high ankle sprain at Sports Medicine Associates of San Antonio depends on the severity of the injury, your general health, and the condition’s effect on your quality of life. Usually, Dr. Allen recommends conservative treatments like:

• Ice, rest, and elevation
• Immobilization with a splint or a cast
• Physical therapy
• Crutches
• Activity modification
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections
• Topical CBD products

If you have a severe high ankle sprain that occurred alongside a fracture, Dr. Allen might recommend surgery. Surgery for a high ankle sprain uses special tools and devices like pins, plates, or screws to hold your bones together and encourage your body’s healing process.

To receive treatment for a high ankle sprain, make an appointment at Sports Medicine Associates of San Antonio by calling the nearest office today or clicking the online booking feature.