ASK THE EXPERT: Dr. Kennedy Answers Your Questions About High Ankle Sprains
by HSS on the Move
Q: How is a high ankle sprain different from other ankle sprains?
A high ankle sprain is an injury to the ligament group that helps hold the tibia and the fibula together, while a “normal” ankle sprain is an injury to the ligament complex that stops you from rolling over on your ankle. Unfortunately, high ankle sprains take longer to heal compared to “normal” ankle sprains.
Q: Is there a brace I can wear to help prevent a high ankle sprain from happening?
A healthy athlete should avoid wearing a brace to prevent a high ankle sprain as prolonged brace use can cause loss or of proprioception. Proprioception is the innate ability of your body to know where your joint is in space. Decreased proprioception may predispose an athlete to ankle sprains.
Q: What sports put me at risk for a high ankle sprain?
Sports that may put an athlete at risk of a high ankle sprain are those that involve a rapid change in direction, otherwise known as cutting. Football and hockey are two such sports, but by no means the only ones.
Q: How long is the recovery time for a high ankle sprain?
It depends on the severity of the sprain, however a good guide is that high ankle sprains take at least twice as long to recover from as a “normal” ankle sprain.
Q: If I sprain my ankle, how can I tell what kind of sprain it is?
If you have sprained your ankle, it can be very difficult to determine what type of sprain it is without advanced diagnostic imaging. A good tip to remember however is that most ankle sprains resolve on their own. If it has been over 2 weeks since you sprained your ankle and you continue to experience pain, it is a good idea to see an orthopaedic specialist.
Dr. John Kennedy specializes in osteochondral injuries, Achilles tendon injuries, ankle instability, and ligament reconstruction and has a primary interest in lower limb surgery, particularly sports-related injuries. He is currently the clinical director of the Running Clinic at Hospital for Special Surgery.
