High Ankle Sprain
A high ankle sprain, refers to damage to the ligament which joins the Tibia and Fibula together, just above the ankle. This ligament is called the anterior tibiofibular ligament.
Symptoms of a High Ankle Sprain
- Pain on palpation of the anterior tibiofibular ligament
- Swelling and bruising at the front and outside of the ankle
- Difficulty walking
- Pain on combined rotation and dorsiflexion of the ankle
The most commonly injured ligament is the anterior tibiofibular ligament. Severe injuries can also cause damage to the syndesmosis (membrane which connects the Tibia and Fibula). This kind of injury is sometimes associated with a fracture of one of the lower leg bones.
This injury is often more severe than the more common lateral ankle sprain and can be more problematic to treat. It usually occurs as a result of a twisting and inversion movement.
Treatment of a High Ankle Sprain
What can I do?
- RICE protocol: Rest, ice, compression, elevation
- Rest: Limit weight bearing using crutches if necessary
- Ice: Use a ice pack, bag of peas, or specially designed wrap to apply cold therapy to the ankle as soon as possible following injury and then every 3-4 hours for 15 minutes at a time over the first 48 hours
- Compression: Wear a compression bandage to help support and reduce swelling
- Elevation: When sitting, raise the ankle up above the heart to help reduce swelling and bruising
What can a professional do?
- Prescribe anti-inflammatory and pain killing medication such as ibuprofen
- Perform sports massage after a period of 72 hours to help reduce swelling, loosen muscles and prevent the build-up of scar tissue
- Provide ultrasound treatment to help the ligament heal
- Demonstrate stretching exercises to help the ankle mobile
- Once pain-free, begin strengthening exercises
- Wobble board exercises to prevent a reoccurrence
