Injuries to the ankle bones are among the most prevalent injuries in sports, but there are many types of ankle bone injuries. Syndesmosis injuries, or high ankle injuries, can be more complicated and take longer to heal than a normal ankle sprain.
They often happen when sportsmen are engaged in playing sports that involve quick changes of direction, jumping, twisting, and physical contact. By understanding the mechanism of injury and the importance of rehabilitation, athletes can expect to recover better and limit their risk of developing long-term instability or pain again.
What Makes a High Ankle Injury Different
Typical ankle sprains involve injury of the lateral or outside ankle ligaments. A high ankle injury occurs when the ligaments connecting the tibia and fibula just above the ankle joint are torn. This region is referred to as the syndesmosis and is essential in providing stability in the lower leg throughout movement and during weight-bearing.
A syndesmosis ankle ligament injury is commonly caused by excessive stress on these stabilizing ligaments, which can occur when the foot turns outwards, and the leg turns inwards. The injury affects joint stability and not just soft tissue stretching; this may result in a longer recovery time than normal ankle sprains.
Common Sports and Risk Factors
High ankle injuries occur most frequently in sports that involve sudden direction changes, jumping, pivoting, or heavy physical contact. These ankle injuries are common among players in football, basketball, soccer, rugby, skiing, and netball, as the forces on the joint are rotational.
There is also a risk of injury due to uneven playing surfaces, inadequate shoe support, fatigue, or past ankle injuries. High-intensity training without sufficient recovery time can place more stress on the ankle structures over time for athletes.
By recognizing these risk factors, athletes and coaches can better prioritize injury prevention strategies.
Symptoms Athletes Should Not Ignore
High ankle injuries can be under-recognized due to swelling and bruising that can be easily mistaken for a traditional ankle sprain. But athletes tend to get hurt above the ankle joint, particularly when engaging in twisting, walking, running, or pushing off during action.
Weight-bearing exercises can be unstable or uncomfortable, especially when cutting or rotating. Pain can also increase when stepping up and down on the stairs, squatting, or rotating the foot outwards.
If these signs and symptoms are ignored, the patient may try to play through the injury, which can make their recovery much longer and make their injury worse. It is important to conduct an early assessment by a qualified health care professional for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
Proper Diagnosis and Early Treatment Matter
Physical examinations, imaging scans, and movement testing can be helpful for healthcare providers to evaluate ligament stability and the severity of the injury. Treatment is typically aimed at relieving inflammation, stabilizing the joint, and avoiding further instability.
During the first recovery period, rest, compression, elevation, and temporary immobilization are all commonly recommended. When the ligaments no longer provide sufficient support to the ankle joint, some of these severe syndesmosis injuries can require surgical stabilization. Early diagnosis can minimize the chances of chronic instability and joint problems in the future.
