High Ankle Sprain – Pain Free Joint

High-ankle sprain occurs when the upper ligaments of the ankle joint are injured or sprained. It is also called syndesmosis injury.

The ligaments join the bone-to-bone and these upper ligaments connect the tibia bone to the fibula bone. During walking and running, these ligaments provide ankle joint stability.

Any sudden twisting or rotating movement of the joint of the ankle leads to the upper ligaments injury.

Causes

Sudden rotating and twisting injury while walking or running
High impact activities
Fall on a twisted ankle
Trauma

Signs and Symptoms

Severe pain at injury site
Swelling around the injured part or mostly above ankle
You will experience pain during weight-bearing on the injured ankle
Pain is severe while climbing the stairs or going downstairs
Bluish discoloration in the periphery of the ankle joint
Pain while moving your ankle joint in the upward direction
Tenderness

Diagnosis

Physical Examination by your doctor
X-ray to check for any bony injury or fracture
MRI is the best and specific investigation to diagnose which ligament is injured and how severe the damage is

Treatment

Conservative:
- Ice fomentation on area that is injured for at least 15 minutes and 3-4 times a day
  
  Use elastic or compression bandage to support your ankle and this will also help reduce swelling, elevate your ankle on pillows
  
  Medicines: painkillers and medication to reduce the inflammation like ibuprofen
  
  Take rest and avoid weight placement. The doctor can also prescribe ankle support or brace
  
  During the rehabilitation process, the physiotherapists guide the patient on exercises that strengthen the ankle muscles
Operative
- Syndesmosis screw fixation
- Syndesmosis fixation with suture button

Recovery time

Can vary from 6 weeks to 3 months to recover and move back to normal activities following an injury.