Ankle sprains are common injuries that occur when the ligaments that connect bones in the ankle joint are stretched beyond their range of motion. However, a high ankle sprain is a more severe injury that affects the ligaments that connect the tibia and fibula bones in the lower leg. This type of injury can take longer to heal than a typical ankle sprain and it often requires different treatment methods. In this post, we’ll discuss the symptoms of a high ankle sprain and what you need to know if you suspect you have one.
Pain and Swelling
The most common symptom of a high ankle sprain is pain and swelling in the front of the ankle and lower leg. The pain may be severe and make it difficult to put weight on your foot. You may also notice swelling, bruising and tenderness in the affected area. If you experience any of these symptoms it’s important to seek medical attention right away to avoid further damage to the ligaments and bones.
Difficulty Walking
If you have a high ankle sprain, you may find it difficult to walk or bear weight on the affected leg. This is because the ligaments that connect the tibia and fibula bones in the lower leg have been stretched or torn, causing instability in the ankle joint. In severe cases, you may even need to use crutches to move around while the injury heals.
Limited Range of Motion
A high ankle sprain can also result in a limited range of motion in the ankle joint. You may find it difficult to move your foot up and down or side to side, which can make it challenging to perform simple activities such as walking up stairs or running. Physiotherapy exercises can help to improve your range of motion and prevent the joint from becoming stiff during the healing process.
Tenderness and Bruising
Tenderness and bruising are common symptoms of a high ankle sprain, and they often occur around the front of the ankle and lower leg. The area may feel tender to the touch, and you may notice discoloration or bruising from the damage to the ligaments. Applying ice to the affected area can help to reduce inflammation and swelling, while rest and elevation can help to alleviate pain and discomfort.
Chronic Instability
In some cases, a high ankle sprain can result in chronic instability, which makes it difficult to engage in physical activities that involve jumping or running. If you have a high ankle sprain, it’s important to follow your practitioner’s treatment plan to ensure the ligaments are allowed to heal properly. This may include wearing a brace or splint to support the ankle joint, performing physiotherapy exercises, and avoiding physical activities that could worsen the injury.
A high ankle sprain is a serious injury that can cause a great deal of pain and discomfort. If you experience any symptoms of a high ankle sprain, such as pain, swelling, tenderness, or limited range of motion, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. Your physiotherapist or chiropractic doctor can assess the severity of the injury and recommend a treatment plan to help you heal properly. By following rest, ice, elevation, and physiotherapy, you can recover from a high ankle sprain and prevent future injuries.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Nitin Nair, BPT, R/TRO DIP, PT, or other Kitchener physiotherapists at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
