High ankle sprain (syndesmosis injury)
Injury to the ligaments connecting the two lower-leg bones above the ankle.
Overview
A high ankle sprain injures the syndesmosis, the ligaments binding the shin bones just above the ankle. It often takes longer to recover than a typical ankle sprain and benefits from a careful, graded return to loading.
Symptoms
- Pain above the ankle, between the shin bones
- Pain with twisting and pushing off
- Pain on weight-bearing
- Slower recovery than a typical sprain
Causes
- Forceful twisting of the ankle
- Sporting collisions and pivots
- Outward rotation of the foot
Treatment
- Protected weight-bearing early
- Graded loading and strengthening
- Balance and control work
- Surgical opinion for unstable injuries