What to Know About a High Ankle Sprain
A high ankle sprain is an injury to the ligaments that connect the bones in your ankle. However, unlike the more common lateral ankle sprain (also known as a rolled ankle), a high ankle sprain affects the ligaments higher up in your leg.
Ankle sprains are one of the most common sports injuries, and can occur in one or more ligaments in the ankle. Because the ligaments do not contain much blood, sprains can take longer to heal than an injury to muscle tissue.
What Causes a High Ankle Sprain?
High ankle sprains are caused due to excessive and abnormal force on your ankles, such as:
- Suddenly stepping on uneven surfaces.
- Rolling your foot over.
- Twisting your ankle inward or outward forcefully.
- Jumping onto your foot after it has been planted.
- Sudden stopping while running.
Symptoms of a High Ankle Sprain
Symptoms may include:
- Swelling and pain on the outer side of your ankle
- Bruising
- Difficulty walking
- Instability when walking or running
- Tenderness to the touch
- Inability to bear weight on the affected ankle
How Is a High Ankle Sprain Diagnosed?
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and how you injured your ankle. They may also order X-rays to rule out other injuries, such as a broken bone. In some cases, an MRI may be needed to get a better view of the ligaments.
Treatment for a High Ankle Sprain
Treatment will likely include the RICE method: rest, ice, compression, and elevation, with a gradual return to activity once the swelling has gone down. More severe cases may require crutches, a walking boot, or even surgery.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from a High Ankle Sprain?
Recovery from a high ankle sprain varies depending on the severity of the injury, but it can take anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks, and sometimes even longer.
Preventing High Ankle Sprains
There are some things you can do to help prevent high ankle sprains, including:
- Wearing shoes with good support and arch control
- Strengthening your ankle muscles
- Avoiding walking or running on uneven surfaces
- Warming up before exercise