High Ankle Sprains Explained: Symptoms and Recovery

Understanding Syndesmosis Injuries or High Ankle Sprains

High ankle sprains, also known as syndesmosis injuries, are a common type of ankle injury that significantly affects an individual’s mobility and daily activities. Unlike traditional ankle sprains that impact the outer ankle ligaments, a syndesmosis injury involves the fibrous joint connecting the lower leg bones – the tibia and fibula. This article aims to offer an in-depth understanding of syndesmosis ankle injuries, including the diagnosis, treatment options, recovery process, and prognosis. We also provide valuable resources and references to help readers thoroughly comprehend this type of high ankle sprain.

What Exactly are Syndesmosis Injuries?

Syndesmosis injuries or high ankle sprains affect the syndesmosis, the joint connecting the lower leg bones, the tibia, and fibula. These injuries, often referred to as a high ankle sprain, occur when the ligaments connecting these bones stretch or tear. Common causes include a twisting or rotational force applied to the ankle during sports activities or accidents. Athletes in sports involving sudden direction changes, pivoting, or jumping are particularly prone to a syndesmosis ankle injury. These injuries can sometimes occur with ankle fractures.

Common symptoms of an ankle sprain high include pain, swelling, and tenderness around the ankle joint, difficulty walking or bearing weight on the affected leg, and in severe cases, visible bruising or ankle deformity. If you suspect a syndesmosis sprain, seek immediate medical attention for accurate diagnosis and treatment, which may include rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), immobilization with a brace or cast, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery.

Dr Vosseller treats high ankle sprains High Ankle Sprain Anatomy

Diagnosing Syndesmosis Injuries

Syndesmosis injuries or high ankle sprains can be difficult to diagnose accurately. A precise diagnosis is critical for effective treatment and rehabilitation of an ankle syndesmosis injury. The diagnostic process typically involves a physical examination where your healthcare provider assesses the affected ankle for signs of a syndesmosis sprain, including tenderness, swelling, or bruising.

Imaging also plays a crucial role in confirming a syndesmotic ankle sprain. Initial imaging typically involves X-rays to identify any fractures or dislocations. However, if X-rays are inconclusive, particularly in early stages, more advanced imaging techniques like an MRI may be used to provide a more detailed view of the high sprain ankle.

Differential diagnosis is also essential to rule out other ankle injuries, such as lateral ankle sprains or fractures. Your healthcare provider will consider your symptoms, physical examination findings, and imaging results to differentiate between various ankle injuries and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Treatment and Management of Syndesmosis Injuries

These injuries require appropriate treatment to promote healing and prevent long-term complications. Initial treatment often involves conservative approaches such as rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), as well as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to manage pain and swelling. Immobilization with a brace or boot may also be recommended for syndesmosis ankle support and stability.

In severe cases of high ankle sprains or if conservative treatment fails to provide relief, surgical intervention may be necessary to repair or reconstruct the damaged ligaments. This could involve the use of screws or suture constructs to hold the bones in place during the healing process of a syndesmosis ankle injury.

Following treatment, rehabilitation and physical therapy are crucial to recovery from a syndesmosis sprain. A physical therapist will design a program to restore strength, range of motion, and balance to the affected ankle, which may include strengthening exercises and balance training.

Recovery and Prognosis

The recovery time for syndesmosis injuries or high ankle sprains varies, depending on the injury severity. Typically, these high sprain ankle injuries take longer to heal than regular ankle sprains, ranging from 6 to 12 weeks. However, individual recovery times can differ based on multiple factors, including the extent of the syndesmosis ankle injury, the patient’s age and overall health, and adherence to the treatment plan.

Long-term effects and complications can occur if these injuries are not properly treated or rehabilitated. These may include chronic instability and ongoing ankle pain. Therefore, it’s crucial to follow the recommended rehabilitation exercises and physical therapy to restore strength, stability, and range of motion in the affected ankle.

Ankle Brace

To minimize re-injury chances, proper conditioning and strengthening exercises are essential. Supportive footwear, using ankle braces or taping techniques, and participating in lower-risk activities can also help prevent future high ankle sprains/syndesmosis injuries.

Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute

At JOI Online, our dedicated healthcare providers specialize in diagnosing and treating various foot conditions, including heel pain. Don’t delay in seeking help, contact us today to schedule an appointment and find the relief you deserve.

By: Dr. Turner Vosseller, Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgeon

Dr. Vosseller is an Internationally Recognized Orthopaedic Surgeon who practices at the Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute San Marco Clinic, and he is currently accepting new patients. JOI is Northeast Florida’s most respected orthopedic practice. To schedule an appointment, please call 904-JOI-2000 or click below to schedule online. Dr. Vosseller is a noted leader in minimally invasive techniques in the foot and ankle and has performed hundreds of surgeries using these techniques.