Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries that can happen to anyone, from athletes to office workers. However, not all ankle sprains are the same. There are different types of ankle sprains, including high ankle sprain. High ankle sprain is a more severe type of injury that can take longer to recover from than a typical low ankle sprain. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what triggers high ankle sprain and how you can prevent it with the help of physiotherapists and chiropractic care.
Sports or physical activity
High ankle sprains can occur due to sports or any other physical activity that involves sudden stops, starts, or changes in direction. This includes activities such as basketball, football, soccer, and running. When an athlete twists their foot or leg while playing these sports, they may suffer a high ankle sprain. Resting is important after an injury, but staying inactive for too long can slow the healing process. Guided movement and rehabilitation help prevent stiffness and improve strength throughout recovery — which is why avoiding prolonged inactivity after a high ankle sprain can make such a difference in how well and how quickly the ankle heals.
Slippery surfaces
Walking on slippery surfaces like wet floors or icy sidewalks increases the risk of high ankle sprains. The foot may slip outwards causing the ligaments connecting the tibia and fibula bones (the two bones in your lower leg) to stretch beyond their limit.
Poor footwear
Wearing shoes with inadequate support while engaging in physical activities like running increases the risk of high ankle sprains.
Previous injuries
If you’ve sprained your ankle before, the surrounding ligaments and tendons may already be weakened, leaving the joint more vulnerable to reinjury. When recovery isn’t fully completed or the area remains unstable, it’s one reason why high ankle sprains can be so difficult to heal completely. Strengthening exercises and consistent rehabilitation play a key role in preventing chronic issues.
Chronic conditions
Chronic conditions such as arthritis or osteoporosis can increase your likelihood of suffering a high ankle sprain.
To avoid getting a high ankle sprain you should take preventative measures such as ensuring you wear proper footwear when engaging in physical activities and avoiding walking on slippery surfaces when possible.
In case of an injury despite taking preventative measures, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. A physiotherapist or chiropractor in Waterloo or Kitchener at CARESPACE will be able to diagnose and treat your high ankle sprain. They can help reduce the swelling, manage the pain and provide exercises that can help strengthen the muscles and ligaments around the ankle.
High ankle sprain symptoms cause it to be a debilitating injury that can make it difficult for you to perform your daily activities. While several risk factors contribute to this injury, there are also ways you can prevent it from happening. If you do suffer a high ankle sprain no matter the stage, despite taking preventative measures, seeking medical attention from a physiotherapist or chiropractor will go a long way in helping you recover quickly and effectively. Remember, it’s always better to take preventive measures than wait for an injury to happen.
For more insight into the causes, symptoms, and treatment of this condition, check out our High Ankle Sprain page.
