Ankle sprains are one of the most common types of injuries that people face especially those who are into sports, those who have to go through strenuous work routines and those who lead busy, active lives. Among all types of ankle sprains a high ankle sprain can be the most painful and difficult to heal. High ankle sprains can take months to heal, and it can be frustrating and hard for the sufferers. If you have suffered from a high ankle sprain, it is essential to see a specialist who can help you pick the right approach for healing your injury. In this blog, we will walk you through some of the best treatments for a high ankle sprain, including chiropractic care and physiotherapy.
Chiropractic Care: Chiropractic care is an excellent treatment option for a high ankle sprain. It involves specific techniques that can help activate the natural healing process of your body. Chiropractors are trained to work on the joints and soft tissues surrounding the injury, reducing pain levels, increasing flexibility, and improving range of motion. They may also recommend gentle movement routines or exercises that are good for high ankle sprains to rebuild stability and prevent further strain. Because chiropractic care is non-invasive and drug-free, it’s a safe and effective approach for those seeking natural recovery methods.
Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy is another great way to heal a high ankle sprain. A physiotherapist can help you create a plan to manage pain and swelling, restore strength, and regain balance in your affected ankle. Techniques like manual therapy, mobility work, and progressive loading exercises are key components of recovery. Physiotherapy focuses on guiding the body through high ankle sprain stages, helping the ligaments strengthen and the joint regain full stability over time. Your physiotherapist may also suggest lifestyle adjustments such as rest, compression, and elevating the leg to improve circulation and support proper healing.
Immobilization: Immobilizing the injured foot with a brace or cast is a crucial part of treating a high ankle sprain. Through immobilization, the ankle is prevented from unnecessary movement and can allow the ankle joint to heal properly. Your practitioner may recommend that you wear a brace or cast for a few weeks or months, depending on the severity of your injury. The use of a walking boot or crutches to take weight off the affected ankle can also be beneficial to speed up the healing process.
Surgery: Surgery for a high ankle sprain is rare and is usually only recommended for severe cases. Surgery is suggested when other treatment options have failed to provide relief or for professional athletes who need to return to sports quickly. The surgery involves fixing the damaged tissue and rejoining the affected bones.
Rest and Recovery: Finally, rest is one of the most important factors in healing a high ankle sprain. While it may seem tempting to push through the pain, it’s essential to give your body time to recover. Following the RICE protocol — Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation — can help reduce swelling and inflammation during the early stages of healing. Nutrition also plays a key role in recovery; paying attention to foods to avoid with high ankle sprains can help minimize inflammation and support tissue repair as your ankle strengthens. Once pain subsides, slowly reintroducing movement and guided exercises under medical supervision can further aid the recovery process.
A high ankle sprain can be terribly painful and frustrating, but with proper care and treatment, most people make a full recovery. Both chiropractic care and physiotherapy are effective options to treat and stop the progression of high ankle sprains. In addition, immobilization, surgery, and rest and recovery are also crucial components of treatment. It’s essential to work with your chiropractor or physiotherapist to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your individual needs and supports your recovery. If you have sustained a high ankle sprain, make sure to seek medical help promptly, adhere to your treatment plan, and be patient while your body heals.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Sakshi Rupani, BPT, PT, or another Kitchener physiotherapy practitioner at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
To better understand how early treatment can prevent a mild sprain from developing into a more complex injury, visit our High Ankle Sprain page.
