Dr Ozello's Sports Medicine Report: High Ankle Sprain AKA Syndesmotic Ankle Sprain

**Disclaimer: Viewing this video does not take the place of seeing a medical professional. Please visit a medical professional for evaluation, diagnosis & treatment. Never perform an exercise that elicits or intensifies symptoms. If an exercise elicits or intensifies symptoms, stop immediately and use a viable substitute.

A high ankle sprain is an injury to one of the ligaments that connects the two bones of the lower leg. The difference between a high ankle sprain & the more common lateral ankle sprain is the location. A high ankle sprain is located higher on the leg than a lateral ankle sprain.
High ankle sprains make up about ten percent of ankle sprains. A high ankle sprain is a serious injury that requires a longer healing time period than lateral and medial ankle sprains. Extra precautions must be taken in returning to activity following a high ankle sprain.
In medical terminology, a high ankle sprain is named a Syndesmotic Sprain.
The tibia and the fibula are the two lower leg bones. The syndesmotic ligaments, also known as the high ankle ligaments, attach the tibia & fibula to each other. These ligaments function to hold the lower aspects of the tibia & fibula close to one another. These four ligaments are the Anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL), Posterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (PITFL), Interosseous membrane (IO) (AKA Interosseous ligament) and the Transverse tibiofibular ligament.
High ankle sprains most commonly they occur in football, soccer, lacrosse, basketball, hockey, skiing, hiking & trail running. The uneven terrain of trail running & hiking increases the possibility of suffering a high ankle sprain.
High ankle sprains usually occur when the athlete pivots suddenly to the inside with the outside foot planted on the playing surface. An excessive amount of external rotation force on the fibula in respect to the tibia pulls the bones apart resulting in a ligament injury.
Two main intrinsic factors exist for high ankle sprains. These are a prior high ankle sprain that did not heal properly & poor proprioception. Treatment of a high ankle sprain must be comprehensive & longstanding to help lessen the risk of recurrence.
Proprioception is the body’s awareness of where it is at in nature. Training on an unstable surface such as a wobble board or a BOSU Ball improves proprioception. This type of training must be included in the prevention and management of a high ankle sprain.
Pain located slightly higher than the ankle joint begins immediately. The athlete may feel and/or hear a snap, pop, tear or rip. Swelling and bruising may begin very quickly. Tenderness is usually present throughout the entire ankle, but it is worst directly over the injured ligament. Ankle motion is limited & weak in all directions. There is limited ability to bear weight on the injured leg & limited ability to push off the toes while walking. The result is an altered gait.
Begin professional and selftreatment as soon as possible. The quicker the path to proper healing begins, the better chance of a positive outcome and quicker return to sport/activity. A professional evaluation, examination and xrays help to formulate a correct diagnosis, treatment plan and rehabilitation plan.
Work with a Doctor of Chiropractic for optimal results. Chiropractic treatment to the spine, hips and lower extremities reestablishes proper skeletal motion, optimizes nervous system communication and maximizes healing. For peak results and complete recovery, the treatment will be extensive and comprehensive.
High ankle sprains are a frustrating injury. Patience and dedicated, persistent treatment and rehabilitation are required for complete recovery.

Dr Donald A Ozello DC of Championship Chiropractic in Las Vegas, NV
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