If you think that you may have a high ankle sprain, great care needs to be taken when assessing the damage your leg and ankle have sustained. We’ll be taking you through some of the most basic steps to follow, as well as some explanations of what may have happened, but whenever a syndesmotic injury has occurred, it’s best to get an X-ray taken before starting any type of rehabilitation or treatment process.
While it may feel like you have a high ankle sprain, in many cases, it’s more than likely a common lateral ligament sprain. The area that is regularly referred to as the “high ankle” is composed of several different ligaments and connective tissues, most of which aren’t as flexible, and are stronger than the ligaments affected in a lateral sprain. High ankle sprains make up between 5-10% of all ankle sprains, classifying them as a pretty rare occurrence.
How Is A High Ankle Sprain Different?
When compared to a more conventional sprain, high ankle sprains usually require a longer recovery time. This is largely due to the complexity of the sprain itself. Rest and recovery can take up to twice as long, depending on how much damage you’ve sustained.
The structure of the lower leg, as well as the upper ankle, are the two areas that are most affected, which is why this injury is commonly referred to as a high ankle sprain. While the amount of rest you choose to take should fit in with your goals and schedule, it’s a good idea to go in for an evaluation with a licensed physician or physical therapist. This will be your best bet for correctly assessing the injury. Additionally, the doctor you see will most likely take an X-ray to make the most accurate assessment. This will ensure that it’s safe to begin rehab sooner, rather than later.
Is There An Alternative Treatment For High Ankle Sprains?
Generally speaking, the same treatment and rehabilitation plan should be used for all ankle sprains. Whether it is a common, or more uncommon sprain, your recovery procedure will stay the same. Alternatively, you may need to rest a while longer, before starting your actual rehabilitation, but that will likely be the only difference.
Now, if you’ve internally damaged a nerve, or have stress fractures, it is not a good idea to start rehabbing your ankle right away. Like we mentioned above, if you have any doubt at all, we highly recommend visiting a licensed medical doctor, so he or she can assess your injury.
You can always bookmark the site to come back and rehabilitate your ankle later. There’s no sense in starting if you won’t get results, is there? Proper assessment, followed by a proactive, step-by-step rehab system will yield the most desirable results every time.
