But what is the difference between a common sprain and a high ankle sprain? Furthermore, why should athletes who suffer from high ankle sprains stop exercising for longer periods of time than those with joint sprains?
“The reason lies in the anatomy of the foot and ankle and the different joints, which are injured in a joint against a high sprain”, explains Mr. Konstantinos Intzoglou MD, MSC, PHD, Orthopedic Surgeon, Director of 1st Orthopedic Clinic , Arthroscopy and Minimally Invasive Orthopedic Surgery Metropolitan General.
The ankle joint is formed by three bones in the lower leg: the tibia (tibia), the pin (the bone next to and parallel to the tibia on the outside) and the ankle. These bones work together to form the ankle joint, which can withstand loads of up to three times a person’s body weight during normal daily activities. The soft tissues and ligaments that support her ankle joint allow it to move in all directions and provide stability.
What is a common ankle sprain?
The common ankle sprain is characterized by the severity of the rupture, -distinguished into partial and complete ruptures-, of the anterior ankle ligament (ATFL) on its outer side. This ligament extends between the tip of the fork to the ankle bone on the outside. The ATFL is one of its main stabilizers and the main one that gets injured.
Athletes often experience pain, swelling and even bruising (“bruising”) in more severe sprains. These symptoms can occur on the outside of the foot, just below the ankle joint.
There is usually an area of ​​maximum sensitivity. Depending on the severity of the injury and the symptoms, athletes may gradually return to sports as long as the pain allows. Usually, when returning to strenuous athletic activity, the athlete wears an elastic ankle brace to support the ankle. This helps to compensate for the injured joint and protects the ankle from another sprain.
What is a high ankle sprain?
A high sprain is an injury that involves a different set of ligaments than the common ankle sprain. These ligaments are located above the ankle joint and between the tibia and fibula. They form what is known as bonding. The coupling joints serve as shock absorbers, preventing the tibia and fibula from moving too far apart. When you run, and especially when you run and change direction quickly, these joints are subject to very high loads and high forces.
What causes a high ankle sprain?
A high ankle sprain is caused by an inverted or dorsiflexion injury of the ankle, which usually occurs while a person is running or jumping.
“It is more common in athletes of high intensity sports such as football, basketball, etc. Unfortunately, there is no guardian for a high ankle sprain that prevents these injuries. “The best way to avoid this injury is to train constantly for strength and flexibility, including proper stretching exercises (especially just before the race or workout),” he said.
What are the symptoms of a high ankle sprain?
High sprains usually do not cause much swelling or bruising. This can be misleading for athletes and coaches, because a high sprain generally does not “look so bad”.
Because of this, many people may not know how seriously they have been injured. Thus, they may not rest as required for complete healing.
How is a sprain diagnosed?
The doctor will ask what move you made when the injury occurred, assess the symptoms and perform a clinical examination. Additional tests (eg x-rays) may also be needed to make sure you do not have a pin fracture. Magnetic resonance imaging may also be necessary.
What is the treatment and recovery time of a high ankle sprain?
The standard treatment for high sprain is the same RICE protocol used for the common ankle sprain:
• Rest: Keep your weight away from the affected leg. The rest period required to allow healing is usually much longer than for the common ankle sprain – almost double, according to most studies.
• Ice: For the first two days after injury, apply ice for about 15 minutes every few hours to reduce inflammation and swelling.
Compression: Wrap the lower leg with an elastic bandage to minimize swelling, but not tight enough to stop circulation.
Lifting: Sit or lie down with your leg raised in a position above the level of your heart to reduce swelling and pain “, recommends Mr. Intzoglou.
For severe ankle sprains or in cases where a ligament is completely torn, surgery may be necessary. Typical surgery involves placing one or two screws correctly between the tibia and the fibula to hold the two bones together. The recovery time of high ankle sprain varies. Some people are able to return to their sports within six weeks, but about 50% will have symptoms for up to six months.
Writes:
K. Konstantinos Intzoglou MD, MSC, PHD,
Orthopedic Surgeon, Director of the 1st Orthopedic Clinic – Sports Injuries, Arthroscopy and Minimally Invasive Orthopedic Surgery Metropolitan General
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