Natural Supplements and Treatment for Ankle Injuries

A high ankle sprain, also known as a syndesmotic ankle sprain, is a sprain of the syndesmotic ligaments that connect the tibia and fibula on the lower leg. Syndesmotic ankle sprains are known as high because their location on the lower leg is above the ankle. Unlike common ankle sprains when ligaments around the ankle are torn or receive injury through an inward twisting, high ankle sprains are caused when the lower leg and foot twist out. Anyone can get a high ankle sprain if the outward twisting is present although it is most common with athletes in the sports of...football, ice hockey, and soccer.

Treatment

Treatment of high ankle sprains depends on severity. An athlete may be out for as little as 2-3 weeks or as long as 6 months. Minor high ankle sprains can be healed by reducing movement of the lower leg and foot with a brace or cast. Like common ankle sprains, using the PRICE technique works well.

* Protection (from further injury)
* Rest
* Ice
* Compression (wrapping, splint, or cast)
* Elevation

When a high ankle sprain is diagnosed the doctor will determine if the injury is stable or unstable. Stable injuries are the less severe high ankle sprains when the placement of the tibia and fibula stays normal. Unstable high ankle sprains occur when two or all three syndesmotic ligaments are torn and the tibia and fibula are free to move around. Unstable injuries require more treatment, usually surgery. During the surgery one or two screws are inserted in the lower leg for a few months (usually three) or until the ligaments have reformed and are able to hold the bones in the proper position. When surgery is needed recovery will take 6 months or longer.

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