A high ankle sprain involves tearing or damage to the three ligaments that hold together the lower leg bones, which connect to the talus bone in the ankle. This area is known as the upper ankle. It involves the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament, the posterior inferior tibiofibular ligament, and the interosseous membrane. These ligaments act like shock absorbers for your legs and feet as you run and jump. A low ankle sprain takes place when the ankle joint rolls over onto the side of the foot, either outward or inward, and does not involve these three leg ligaments. A high ankle sprain is most likely to occur when the foot is flexed upward and then twisted. It is less common than a low ankle sprain, and it’s mostly experienced by athletes playing football, basketball, wrestling, ice hockey, skiing, and soccer. The sprain is most likely to be caused by a collision, causing swelling, bruising, and an inability to bear weight or walk on your toes. If you have sustained such an injury, please visit a chiropodist as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment. Surgery is unlikely, but complete healing may take up to eight weeks and you may become more apt to incur another sprain.
When one or more ligaments in the ankle overstretch or tear due to injury, an ankle sprain occurs. If you would like to learn more about ankle sprains, please consult with one of the specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility.
Symptoms of an ankle sprain vary depending on the severity of the injury, but may include:
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Pain
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Swelling
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Bruising
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Tenderness
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Difficulty walking
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Ankle instability
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A reduced range of motion in the ankle
Treatments for an ankle sprain may consist of:
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Resting the injured ankle
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Applying ice
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Elevating the ankle
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Compressing the ankle
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Over-the-counter pain medications
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Ankle braces or other devices to take weight off of the ankle
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Ankle exercises
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Surgery (in rare cases)
It’s important for the sprained ankle to heal correctly and fully in order to avoid repeated injury. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.