Ankle sprain is actually a common injury and is usually encountered by millions of people all over the United States. Nevertheless, what exactly is the difference between an ankle sprain and a high ankle sprain? A high ankle sprain is also usually experienced over a long period of time. The very reason is the anatomy of the ankle including the ligaments injured in an ankle sprain than a high ankle sprain.
An ankle is usually consisted of three bones found in the lower part of the leg: the fibula, the talus and the tibia. These usually work together in order to form the so-called ankle joint that sustains the loads and the body weight of a person. These soft tissues will surround the ankle and will permit it for its motion and stability. The ligaments also responsibly stabilize the ankle.
To further understand the difference between the two, read on below:
Ankle Sprain
An ankle sprain usually involves injury to the ligament which is usually found outside of the ankle. This is known as the ATFL or the anterior talofibular ligament. This is found between the endmost sections of the fibula down to the talus on the exterior part of the ankle. This acts as a stabilizer in the ankle and this is usually injured when one “rolls” the ankle.
Athletes who suffer from an ankle sprain will have swelling, bruising and pain in severe sprains. These are the symptoms that can be most experience on the outer area of the foot right below the ankle joint. There are times that there will be maximum tenderness felt in the single area. Even with the onset of these symptoms, other athletes still return to their sport activities at higher level. They just depend on ankle braces that really support the ankle and help prevent it from compensating due to the injured ligament and from “re-rolling”.
High Ankle Sprain
A high ankle sprain is usually felt when a set of ligaments are injured. This set of ligaments is known as the “syndesmosis” found on top of the ankle joint. This is also situated between the fibula and tibia and this holds the bones together.
In usual walking, the fibula and tibia are exposed to higher forces and spread the fibula and tibia apart. In this regard, the syndesmosis will act as an absorber between the fibular and tibia. Thus, this will help prevent the bones when it comes to splaying.
With periods of walking, that so-called syndesmosis will be exposed to higher forces. With cutting and running, higher forces will also be experienced. If ever it is sprained, each step will really prove to be painful.
The high ankle sprain does not cause bruising or swelling locally. This does not even look bad that makes it difficult for other people to understand its severity. Rehabilitation and rest are simply necessary in complete healing especially when one experiences high ankle sprain injury. There is not yet any bracing that can help prevent or treat the high ankle sprain.
