WHAT IS A HIGH ANKLE SPRAIN?

Have you heard of a high ankle sprain? My daughter injured her ankle playing hockey, and that’s what the doctors are calling it.

Typically, ankle sprains involve stretching or tearing the ligaments on the outer (lateral) side of the ankle, though sometimes the injury affects the inside (medial) of the ankle.

A high ankle sprain, however, refers to an injury of the ligament that connects the two lower leg bones, known as the syndesmosis ligament. Since this ligament is located above the ankle joint, the injury is called a “high” sprain.

This type of sprain is most common among hockey players and skiers. It happens when the foot and ankle are forced to turn outward, or externally rotate. Because the foot is often locked in place by a rigid skate or ski boot, the ligament can tear under the pressure.

Reference: Rick W. Wright, MD, et al. “Ankle Syndesmosis Sprains in National Hockey League Players.” American Journal of Sports Medicine, December 2004, Vol. 32, No. 8, pp. 1941-1947.