A high ankle sprain is a sprain of the syndesmotic ligaments. These are the ligaments that connect the tibia and fibula on the lower leg. As the name suggests, this sprain describes an injury above the ankle. This type of sprain is less common than the lateral ankle sprain, comprising of only 15% of ankle sprains. A high ankle sprain occurs when the lower leg and foot rotates externally or twists outwards instead or inwards.
Causes
A high ankle sprain is caused by an excessive outward twisting of the lower leg while the foot is planted on the ground.
Symptoms
The symptoms of high ankle sprain are:
- Pain that increases with outward rotation of the foot
- Pain with walking
- Bruising in the area above the ankle
- Swelling in the area above the ankle
- Inability to perform a single leg calf raise
Treatment
Diagnosing the condition is the first step to treating a high ankle sprain. Restore PDX uses precision diagnostics to ensure that a personalized treatment plan that would serve the patient the best could be made.