High ankle sprains are a specific type of sprain that may occur when the ligaments connecting the lower leg bones, the tibia and fibula, are injured. As opposed to typical ankle sprains that affect the ligaments on the sides...
Introduction
High ankle sprains are a specific type of sprain that may occur when the ligaments connecting the lower leg bones, the tibia and fibula, are injured. As opposed to typical ankle sprains that affect the ligaments on the sides of the ankle, high ankle sprains are related to the syndesmotic ligaments located above the ankle joint.
These ligaments play a crucial role in stabilizing the ankle and allowing for proper joint function. High ankle sprains are often caused by activities that involve twisting or excessive force on the ankle, such as certain sports or physical activities.
It is important to understand the symptoms of high ankle sprains to seek appropriate treatment. It is very essential to ensure proper healing and restore optimal ankle function.
Understanding ankle sprains
Sprains happen when the resilience of a ligament is stretched and exceeded, resulting in tearing. The severity of sprains can be categorized into three grades:
- Grade 1 sprains are referred to as stretched ligaments without tearing.
- Grade 2 sprains are referred to as partial tearing of the ligaments.
- Grade 3 sprains are complete tearing of the ligaments.
High ankle sprains mainly affect the ligaments in the upper region of the ankle joint. The ankles are intricate joints made up of various ligaments that provide stability and connect the lower leg bones to the foot bones.
Ligaments susceptible to damage in high ankle sprains include:
Anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament: They are located in front of the tibia and fibula bones.
Interosseous membrane: They are situated between the tibia and fibula, functioning as a stabilizer.
Posterior inferior tibiofibular ligament: They extend behind the tibia and fibula.
It is very important to be aware of the intricacies of these ligaments. It helps in understanding the impact and implications of high ankle sprains.
Differences between High Ankle Sprain and Low Ankle Sprain
The main difference between a high ankle sprain and a low ankle sprain lies in the location of the affected ligaments and the mechanism of injury.
A detailed lowdown on the distinction between the two:
Low Ankle Sprain:
Lateral Ligaments: These ligaments are located on the outside of the ankle, starting from the medial malleolus (the bony prominence on the inside of the ankle) and extending to the ankle bone, heel bone, and top foot bones. When a sprain occurs in these ligaments it is known as an inversion ankle sprain, which usually happens when the ankle rolls inward.
Medial Ligaments: These are also called deltoid ligaments, and are located on the inside of the ankle. They originate from the lateral malleolus (end of the fibula) and attach to the ankle and heel bones. When a sprain occurs in these ligaments it is referred to as an eversion ankle sprain. It takes place when the ankle rolls outward, often during running or jumping.
High Ankle Sprain:
Syndesmotic Ligaments: These ligaments surround the tibia and fibula, responsible for maintaining stability between these two bones. It happens when these ligaments are affected. It is called a "high" sprain because of its location, which is higher up the leg compared to the low ankle sprain.
The most common type of sprain is the low ankle sprain involving the lateral ligaments. Inversion ankle sprains, where the ankle rolls inward, are more frequent as the lateral ligaments are relatively weaker.
The less common is the eversion ankle sprains, which occur when the ankle rolls outward, which is during activities such as running or jumping.
It is crucial to know the difference between high and low ankle sprains. It eventually helps in the proper diagnosis, treatment, and management of ankle injuries.
Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis of High Ankle Sprain
Causes:
When the foot is flexed upward and the ankle is twisted, it results in high ankle sprains. They are usually rare and may take place when strong force is applied or an extreme twist. Athletes, especially those in sports like basketball, football, hockey, skiing, and soccer, are more susceptible to high ankle sprains.
Symptoms:
Symptoms of high ankle sprains vary based on the severity of the injury but commonly include pain and swelling.
A few additional symptoms may include bruising, difficulty bearing weight on the injured leg, difficulty in walking (especially on toes), and tenderness.
Severe injuries may make it difficult for a person to bear the weight or walk on the injured leg.
Diagnosis:
Doctors or orthopedics gather information about the injury and perform a physical examination. Some of the tests are—
External rotation test: The foot is gently twisted outward, and pain intensity and location are noted.
Squeeze test: —In this, pressure is applied to the interosseous membrane by squeezing the tibia and fibula together.
The doctors, in probability, might order imaging tests to confirm or assess the severity of the injury.
MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging provides detailed images of internal tissues, aiding in diagnosis.
X-rays: These images show bone alignment and potential damage.
CT scan: CT Scan Test Provides a comprehensive view of injuries using 360-degree X-ray images.
An accurate diagnosis with the help of physical examination and imaging tests can guide appropriate treatment and management strategies for high ankle sprains.
Treatment of High Ankle Sprain
Treatment for a high ankle sprain corresponds to the gravity of the injury. In most cases, home remedies and conservative measures suffice as effective treatments.
Here are a few treatment options:
R.I.C.E. method: For the first few days one should follow the R.I.C.E. (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) method.
Rest: On should avoid activities that may exacerbate pain and swelling. Crutches are also recommended to keep weight off the injured ankle.
Ice: Applying ice packs to the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes every two or three hours is also an effective method. However, one should avoid direct skin contact by using a cloth or towel.
Compression: Wrap your ankle with an elastic bandage so that swelling reduces. Make sure it is not too tight to prevent complications.
Elevation: Keep the injured ankle elevated above heart level to reduce swelling. Use pillows or cushions for support.
Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers are more than sufficient for managing pain.
Physical therapy: Rehabilitation exercises and stretches prescribed by a physical therapist can expedite the recovery process, improve strength, and restore range of motion.
Surgery: In severe cases, with torn ligaments, surgical intervention may be required to repair the damaged tissues. This option is mulled when conservative treatments fail to provide adequate relief.
The treatment approach for a high ankle sprain should be tailored to individual needs and guided by the severity of the injury. Consulting with a doctor can help in determining the most appropriate course of action for faster recovery.
MRI ankle price
Since MRI is a highly developed and sophisticated diagnostic modality, it is also a bit pricy. Many people looking for an MRI ankle price should know that it is governed by a slew of factors. So, one should talk to the facility and the consulting doctor beforehand to know the exact pricing of the test.
Conclusion
MRI of the ankle helps in treating both, high ankle sprains and low ankle sprains with accurate and detailed images of the ligaments. Offering crystal clear images of the lower leg bones, the tibia, and fibula, etc., an ankle MRI is the most preferred method of diagnosis by people.
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