Syndesmosis Injury: What You Need to Know About High Ankle Sprains

Syndesmosis Injury: What You Need to Know About High Ankle Sprains

Welcome to the world of ankle injuries, where not all sprains are created equal! Today, we’re diving into the mysterious realm of syndesmosis injuries, also known as high ankle sprains. If you’ve ever wondered why your ankle pain feels like it’s playing a high-stakes game of Twister, you’re not alone. Let’s untangle this injury and see how physiotherapy can help you get back on your feet!

What Is a Syndesmosis Injury?

A syndesmosis injury is like the VIP of ankle sprains. While it only makes up about 6% of all acute ankle sprains without fractures, it definitely packs a punch. This injury affects the ligaments that connect the tibia (the big bone in your shin) and the distal fibula (the smaller bone on the outside of your leg) just above the ankle. Think of it as the glue holding the two bones together and keeping your ankle stable during your running and jumping escapades.

Symptoms to Watch For

So how do you know if you’ve got a high ankle sprain? Look out for these telltale signs:

• Pain with Weight-Bearing: If walking or putting weight on your foot makes the pain worse, but squeezing the lower leg bones together gives some relief, you might have a syndesmosis injury.
• Swelling and Bruising: Instead of the usual swelling below the ankle, expect bruising and swelling above the joint.
• Pain with Dorsiflexion: If bending your foot upwards (dorsiflexion) cranks up the pain, but compressing the area where the tibia and fibula meet eases it, then you’ve got the symptoms of this high-profile injury.

What Causes This High Ankle Sprain?

A syndesmosis injury often occurs when your foot is planted firmly on the ground and your leg rotates internally. This can cause the talus (a bone in the ankle) to rotate externally, tearing the ligament and forcing the tibia and fibula apart. It’s a bit like trying to twist a really stubborn corkscrew – but for your bones. This injury usually happens with significant force and might come with a side of other ligament, tendon, or bone injuries.

How Can Physiotherapy Help?

If you’re dealing with a mild syndesmosis injury, your physiotherapist will start by immobilizing the area. After that, it’s all about a progressive rehab plan to get your foot and ankle back in top shape. Expect it to take around 8-12 weeks to fully recover. The goal is to restore strength, balance, and dynamic function so you can get back to your active life without a hitch.

Self-Help Tips

While you’re waiting for your physiotherapy appointment, here are some ways to help yourself:

• Ice It: Apply ice to reduce swelling.
• Watch Your Steps: Avoid walking on uneven surfaces until you get the all-clear.
• Supportive Shoes: Wear shoes that offer good support to ease the strain on your ankle.
• No Running: Hold off on running or high-impact activities until you’re given the green light.
• NSAIDs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can help with pain and swelling.

When to Seek Professional Help

It’s a good idea to see a physiotherapist immediately after your injury for a proper diagnosis. They can determine if you need further medical evaluation or if you can manage the injury conservatively. If the injury appears unstable, surgery might be on the table; if it’s stable, conservative management should do the trick.

So, there you have it – the lowdown on syndesmosis injuries and how to tackle them. If you suspect you’ve got a high ankle sprain or just want to make sure your recovery is on track, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to help you get back on your feet and back to doing what you love!

For more tips or to schedule a physiotherapy appointment, give us a shout. Let’s keep those ankles happy and injury-free!