Your ankle contains ligaments that assist in foot movement. You cannot run or walk without ligaments that attach to the fibula and tibia, promoting stability. Any trauma to the ankle ligaments can cause damage and tears that hinder the integrity of your ankle. The lower ankle is more vulnerable to rotation and twisting, and although cases of Alamo Heights high ankle sprain are not common, it can happen. It is important to correctly classify your ankle sprain to ensure a proper treatment plan and thus promote efficacy in restoring health.
What are the differences between high and low ankle sprains?
Patients usually seek medical intervention for low ankle sprains more often than high ankle sprains. Low ankle sprains involve trauma to the ligaments outside your ankle due to rotating the joint inside your leg.
The leading cause of high ankle sprains includes ankle bone fractures leading to deltoid ligaments tearing. The resulting symptoms of high ankle sprains include pain in the deltoid area, fibula, and high ankle ligaments.
What are the signs of a high ankle sprain?
The most common concerns patients with high ankle sprains complain about include pain and swelling that make walking or running difficult. However, these are not the only symptoms to look for when seeking an accurate diagnosis for your symptoms. Physicians recommend patients put weight on their feet and ankles to determine the source of their pain. Any pain from above the ankle and between the fibula and tibia is most likely due to a high ankle sprain. Any activity that causes your ankles to flex upward, like climbing up or down the stairs, could indicate a high ankle sprain and necessitate emergency care to restore functionality.
What are the causes of high ankle sprains?
You should expect a high ankle sprain diagnosis from your doctor, especially if you have just twisted or rotated your leg in the wrong direction. The most common foot rotation leading to a high ankle sprain diagnosis is outside your leg. The most common symptoms that report high ankle sprains include athletes who perform high-impact activities like football or basketball.
How do physicians diagnose high ankle sprains?
Suppose you suspect that your pain and swelling are symptoms of a high ankle sprain, especially after rotating and twisting your foot. In that case, you may need to seek medical intervention to eliminate your discomfort and restore leg and foot function. During your initial consultation, your doctor will ask you to describe your pain and show them where you are feeling. A physical exam of your foot and leg, especially areas around your ankle, will help your doctor determine the severity of your condition and thus influence the treatment approach to restore the structure and function of your ankle. Imaging tests like x-rays and CT scans may be necessary to help your doctor rule out other injuries like broken bones that might explain your symptoms. Contact Sports Medicine Associates of San Antonio to determine if you have a high ankle sprain and thus receive an effective treatment plan that will bring back movement to your foot and leg.
