High Ankle Sprain Management
Managing a high ankle sprain is not easy, and rehab requires a significant amount of experience. It reflects a balance of properly stabilizing the entire lower leg while assessing the athlete’s function prior to the game for optimal results. Read on to learn more.
What the Heck is a High Ankle Sprain?
An ankle sprain is considered to be of the high or “interosseous” variety when the ligamentous damage involves the structures above or high up on the ankle. The shin bone is made up of two long bones (the tibia and fibula) that are stabilized by a thick, strong interosseous membrane between them.
When the ankle is pinned to the ground and rotated excessively in relation to the shin, the talus bone in the ankle forces the two shin bones to spread apart (similar to a wedge between two pieces of wood). When this extreme rotational spreading tears the interosseous membrane and stabilizing ligaments above the ankle, voila…a “high ankle sprain” is born.
Key Steps to Address an Interosseous Ankle Sprain
Some key factors must be considered when rehabbing a high ankle sprain to get back to the sport or activity you love.
Rest – Allowing the interosseous membrane and stabilizing ligaments to tighten up is of utmost importance, as activities that negatively impact ankle and distal shin stability will only worsen the problem.
Walking Boot – It’s simple, yet effective. “The Boot” allows the ankle to rest during walking by minimizing motions such as twisting.
Ice, Ice & More Ice – This is necessary to decrease swelling and pain. Inflammation is not your friend, and cryotherapy is the key. The more acidic blood that pools within healing tissue, the longer the healing time.
Pain-Free Strengthening – As long as strengthening activities are pain-free and don’t increase swelling, they can be performed with a limited range of motion. I like to rely on the expression: If you’re not going to make the athlete better, at least don’t make them worse. It’s tempting to initiate an aggressive strengthening regimen for a high ankle sprain when heading into an important game, for example: players may want to prove their “toughness” and show they are working hard, when in fact doing so will only worsen the problem! Rehabbing smarter, not harder, is always important when it comes to a high ankle sprain.
Factors That Impact the Decision to Play With a High Ankle Sprain
A few key factors must be considered to determine if it’s okay for an athlete to play in a game with a high ankle sprain. This is where an athletic trainer’s experience comes into play and he/she really earns their money. It’s time to dust off the ol’ crystal ball and show your worth by considering the following questions.
Efficient vs Effective – Will the athlete be able to play for more time at 80% speed (efficiency) or less time with 95% speed and greater power (effectiveness)?
The Long View – Will playing injured in one particular game create long-term damage that will negatively impact the athlete’s remaining career?
Consider the Whole Enchilada – How long exactly can the athlete remain in the game? The start of the second half is a telling time in sports like football, soccer, or basketball, for example, as the ankle can become sore or stiffen up while at rest during halftime.
Taping, Orthotics, Shoe Alteration and/or Bracing – No book, seminar or Seven Wise Men can easily solve questions surrounding these items. How do I tape a high ankle sprain? Will orthotics effectively minimize rotation in the talus bone? Will higher shoes with more stability help or hurt an athlete who needs to quickly change direction? Will shoe taping help or put too much pressure on the injury site? So much to think about!
My Rule of Thumb: It takes lots of experience and one-on-one time with the athlete on the practice field to answer all of these questions, as well as great listening skills, a sharp eye and trust in each other to do this right. Performing combinations of varied tape jobs and ankle postings during drills alongside honest athlete feedback are critical. Intertwined with an immense amount of trial and error, I know how to influence body mechanics and pain while the athlete knows what is required to perform. Working together ultimately strikes a balance between stability and mobility that allows the athlete to play effectively.
A Final Word About Ankle Rehab
Managing high ankle sprains is stressful, but I love it! Successfully rehabbing this injury truly tests my ability to work with athletes, as there is no magic pill or brace to get them back in the game. I’ve developed many strong bonds with athletes rehabbing high ankle sprains, specifically, and it’s those relationships that help make my profession so rewarding.