High ankle sprains are common injuries that can happen to anyone at any time, from athletes to everyday individuals. While most people are familiar with the basic concept of a sprain, high ankle sprains can be especially tricky to manage and recover from. One question many people ask when dealing with this type of injury is whether or not it will hurt all the time. In this post, we’ll explore what high ankle sprains are, how they differ from other types of sprains, and what you can expect in terms of pain and discomfort during the recovery process.
First and foremost, it’s important to understand what a high ankle sprain is. This type of injury occurs when the ligaments connecting your shinbone (tibia) and your fibula (the smaller bone in your leg) become stretched or torn. Unlike a traditional ankle sprain, which affects the ligaments on the outer side of your ankle, a high ankle sprain affects the ligaments that connect these two bones together above your ankle joint. Because these ligaments sit higher up on the leg and stabilize the joint above the ankle, injuries here are often slower to heal and can cause deeper, more persistent discomfort than standard ankle sprains. Knowing When is a High Ankle Sprain Serious? can help you recognize when that discomfort might signal something more complex that requires medical attention.
The severity of a high ankle sprain can vary widely depending on how much damage has occurred to these ligaments. However, one thing that many people wonder about is whether or not they’ll experience pain all the time if they’ve suffered this type of injury. The short answer is no – while you’re likely to experience some degree of discomfort as you recover from your injury, it’s unlikely that you’ll be in constant pain. Most people notice that pain tends to fluctuate throughout the day—mild during rest but more noticeable when walking, climbing stairs, or performing quick turns or twists. Certain factors, such as how the injury occurred or What Triggers High Ankle Sprain, can also influence how intense your symptoms feel and how long recovery takes.
That being said, there are certain activities that may exacerbate your symptoms and cause more pain than others. For example, running or jumping may be more painful than simply walking around. Additionally, certain movements like twisting or turning your foot may also cause increased discomfort. Some people also find that pain worsens at night. This happens because swelling can build up during the day, and when you lie down, circulation slows slightly, creating pressure and stiffness around the injured ligaments. Elevating your ankle above heart level, applying an ice pack before bed, or wearing a supportive brace can help relieve nighttime discomfort.
If you’re dealing with a high ankle sprain, there are several treatment options available to help manage your symptoms and speed up the healing process. Depending on the severity of your injury, you may be advised to rest, ice, and elevate your ankle to reduce swelling and inflammation. You may also be prescribed pain medication or anti-inflammatory drugs to help manage any discomfort you’re experiencing. Physiotherapy can play a major role in recovery by helping to strengthen the muscles surrounding your ankle and restore balance and stability. Chiropractic care may also support healing by improving joint alignment and reducing muscle tension. Both treatments are effective at easing pain, improving mobility, and helping prevent re-injury as you return to regular activity.
In addition to these traditional treatment options, many individuals find that physiotherapy or chiropractic care can be highly effective in managing their high ankle sprain symptoms. These forms of treatment can help to improve range of motion in your ankle joint while reducing pain and stiffness. Your physiotherapist or chiropractor will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that takes into account your specific needs and goals during your recovery process. If pain remains severe or you experience numbness, tingling, or an inability to put weight on your foot, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly, as these could be signs of a more serious injury.
While high ankle sprains can certainly be uncomfortable and even painful at times, it’s important to remember that this doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be in constant pain throughout the entire recovery process. With the right treatment plan and plenty of rest and care for your injured ankle, you’ll likely find that your symptoms improve over time. Simple strategies like icing before bed, keeping the ankle elevated after long days, and maintaining light stretching routines can make a big difference in comfort and healing. If you’re dealing with a high ankle sprain, don’t hesitate to speak with a physiotherapist or chiropractor about how they can help support you during this challenging time. With professional guidance and consistent care, most people recover fully and return to their normal activities without ongoing pain.
To better understand how a minor ankle twist can develop into a more serious injury, see our High Ankle Sprain page.
