All about high ankle sprain
Ankle injuries may occur in any individual especially those involved in sports. One of such injuries is called high ankle sprain.
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The name is derived from the area in which the injury occurs, which is above the ankle joint.
There are tough cords which connect the two bones in the leg and this may become injured resulting in the condition. Other structures around the lower leg may also be affected with different levels of severity.
The levels of severity depend on the extent to which the tough cords are injured and how many of them become damaged.
Individuals including athletes may complain of stiffness and pain in the affected ankle joint as well as limitations in functional movements.
The ankle joint
The ankle consists of different bones which are held together by several thick tough cords. These cords are fastened to the bones so that the joint is protected from excessive movements occurring in the ankle.
The cords also provide the needed support such that it takes excessive force to injure or tear them apart.
The joint permits up and down movements as well as limited sideway movements.
A high ankle sprain occurs when the tough cords joining the two leg bones are injured. Individuals with the condition complain of pain above the joint, not around the ankle joint.
Due to the position of the tough cords injury makes the ankle joint unstable and lax. Performing a simple function such as walking becomes complicated until the condition resolves.
How does one get high ankle sprain?
Individuals with this condition are usually involved in sporting activities especially contact sports such as in football and hockey.
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It involves a sudden and strong twist in the ankle joint. The twist usually is directed outwards or away from the body. This cause the two lower leg bones to pull away from each other, injuring the tough cords which join them together.
The tough cords are also injured when the foot is forcibly pushed upwards towards the leg beyond its normal range of movement.
An individual may also develop this injury through his/her daily activities in which the foot is suddenly pushed back and away from the body placing undue pressure on the tough cords joining the two lower bones.
This results in a stretch or tear in the tough cords. Another manner in which the injury occurs may be when your ankle joint suffers a direct blow of great force.
Symptoms
An individual with high ankle sprain may experience a little swelling, with much pain. The swelling may occur around the front aspect of the ankle joint.
This pain may increase whenever you attempt to lift your foot upwards and may be localised or felt above your ankle joint. You may also feel pain whenever you or someone touches the area.
The joint feels stiffer than usual as compared to the other unaffected ankle joint. Some individuals may state that the joint does not feel stable whenever they walk and they may limp due to the pain or may be unable to walk without assistance.
Some individuals may only be able to walk on their forefoot only instead of placing the entire foot on the ground when walking.
How is it diagnosed?
Various examinations and tests are performed to check the location of the pain, the presence of swelling, the available movement in the ankle joint amongst others. This helps to rule out the presence of an ankle sprain.
To confirm diagnosis, investigations to rule out the presence of broken bones will be conducted to find the affected injured tough cords.
Investigations may also indicate how wide the space between the two lower leg bones is and the level of severity.
When the condition is left untreated it leaves the joint unstable and makes it more susceptible to further injury.
An early diagnosis enhances management and minimises complications in order for you to return to sports or work.
The writer is a Senior Physiotherapist at the 37 Military Hospital’
panierus@live.com
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