High Ankle Sprain

A high ankle sprain is a common injury seen in sports persons which also causes a lot of pain. This ankle sprain can also be seen in individuals who do strenuous exercises.

This ankle injury, which is also known as syndesmotic ankle sprain, occurs when the syndesmotic ligaments (or syndesmosis) which connect the fibula and tibia (shin bone), which are the bones of the ankle, get stretched beyond their capacity and are torn.

This can result in unbearable ankle pain. Unlike normal ankle sprains, where the tendons and ligaments are stretched, in high ankle sprain, the ligaments are torn off the bone joints. This injury can also be associated with low ankle sprains and bone fractures of the ankle. The main cause of a sprain in the ankle is due to outward twisting of the ankle and the foot.

The syndesmotic ligaments play an important role in maintaining the proper position of the ankle joint. As compared to the normal ankle sprains and strains, high ankle sprains are less common in occurrence. However, the symptoms exhibited by both these medical conditions are more or less the same. Given below are some of the sprained ankle symptoms, which can be quite discomforting.

• As seen in all the sprains, pain is the primary symptom. The individual may suffer from generalized pain of the ankle. The pain can worsen if there is pressure on the affected foot, and also while walking. Sometimes the pain is so extreme that it may radiate till the knee.

• Bruising, as a result of the rupturing of small blood vessels, can also be seen. The bruises appear to be bluish black as a result of the blood clots at the site of the injury. It is not uncommon for the blood clots to appear elsewhere apart from the injury, as the blood clots may flow to the other areas on the feet.

• Swelling is another common indication of ankle sprain. Due to bleeding and tear in the ligaments, the affected site begins to swell. The intensity of the swelling may vary according to the injury. Swollen ankles can also cause pain and discomfort.

• The affected ankle may experience instability, since the joints are torn apart. Since the normal structure of the foot is disrupted and the foot does not have any support, it may cause difficulty in moving about and cause pain.

There are three degrees of high ankle sprain, classified according to the severity of the symptoms and the tear in the ligaments. Before administering any kind of treatment, the doctor may perform a few tests like foot X-rays to rule out the chances of a fracture. At times an MRI scan may also be done, to confirm the exact condition of the foot.

Once the diagnosis is done, the doctor may prescribe pain killers and anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve the pain and inflammation.

The best sprained ankle treatment is the P. R. I. C. E. (Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation) method. Application of cold and warm compresses to the injured area will help reduce the swelling.

In case of third degree injury, the individual may have to undergo surgery, where the doctor may fix the fibula and tibia bones back to the normal position. After the surgery, complete bed rest is essential till the foot heals completely. It is also advised not to put too much strain on the injured foot.

The doctor may also refer a physiotherapist for pain management, to relieve the pain and discomfort caused due to sprained ankle.

The ankle sprain recovery time may vary from individual to individual, depending on the intensity of the sprain and the effect of the treatment on that person. If you want to avoid any sprain or injury of the ankles, don't over stress or overdo any exercise or task. Take care!