High Ankle Sprain: Sport-Related Injury Awareness & First Aid Considerations (Canada)

What Is a High Ankle Sprain?

A high ankle sprain involves the ligaments connecting the two long bones of the lower leg just above the ankle. These ligaments (the syndesmosis) help stabilize the ankle during running, pivoting, and jumping. Unlike the more common “low ankle sprain,” high ankle sprains can be slower to heal and may limit return to activity for weeks to months.

Relevance for First Aid & Active Workplaces

High ankle sprains are commonly seen in sports such as football, soccer, basketball, skiing, and hockey. They may also occur in workplaces where sudden twisting, uneven ground, or jumping/lifting tasks are performed. Awareness of strains helps ensure timely rest, protection, and assessment.

Scenario: Mild & Realistic

During a recreational basketball game, a player landed awkwardly after a rebound and felt pain above the ankle. They stopped playing, iced the area, and arranged a medical assessment. The team coach modified conditioning drills for several weeks until the player could return safely.

How High Ankle Sprains Happen

High ankle sprains usually involve:

Twisting or outward rotation of the foot
Abrupt directional change
Forceful landing from a jump
Collision with another player
Stepping on another player’s foot
Ski or skate-related torque

Because these ligaments stabilize the ankle under load, injuries often occur at higher speeds or with more force than low ankle sprains.

Who Is at Higher Risk?

Activities and sports with sudden acceleration, cutting, or downhill load may increase risk, including:

Football
Soccer
Basketball
Hockey
Downhill skiing
Wrestling or field sports
High-intensity fitness and agility training

Symptoms

Signs vary but may include:

Pain above the ankle, especially with twisting
Pain when squeezing the lower leg
Swelling or bruising
Reduced ankle movement
Difficulty bearing weight or walking
A “pop” sensation at moment of injury in some cases

Healthcare professionals may use imaging to differentiate high ankle sprains from fractures or other ankle injuries.

Grading Severity (Common Clinical Language)

High ankle sprains are often described in three grades:

Grade 1: Ligament stretching and irritation
Grade 2: Partial tear with increased discomfort and instability
Grade 3: Complete tear; may require longer recovery and medical intervention

Recovery timelines depend on grade, sport demands, and medical management.

First Aid Awareness & Early Considerations

Public first aid programs commonly highlight:

Protecting the area from further strain
Resting from weight-bearing activities as needed
Cooling for comfort and swelling
Elevating the ankle when possible
Using supportive wraps if advised
Seeking medical assessment for inability to walk, prolonged swelling, or suspected higher-grade injury

Healthcare professionals guide imaging, rehabilitation, and return-to-sport timelines.

Long-Term Considerations

High ankle sprains may take longer to heal than low ankle sprains and may require:

Graduated rehabilitation
Strength and balance training
Sport-specific conditioning
Professional guidance for return to play

Untreated or misdiagnosed sprains may lead to persistent pain or instability.

Prevention Strategies

Risk reduction may include:

Proper footwear and sport-specific equipment
Surface and training variation
Strengthening of lower leg and foot muscles
Balance and proprioceptive exercises
Early reporting of ankle discomfort
Avoiding rushed return to sport after injury

FAQ — High Ankle Sprains

1. Are high ankle sprains more serious than low ankle sprains?
They often require longer recovery because the injured ligaments stabilize the leg bones during high-force motions.

2. Can someone walk with a high ankle sprain?
Sometimes, but weight-bearing may be painful. Walking ability alone doesn’t determine severity.

3. How long does recovery take?
Timelines vary by grade, sport, and medical guidance. Some athletes return in weeks; others require months.

4. Why are high ankle sprains missed sometimes?
Symptoms appear higher on the leg, not on the ankle itself, which may delay recognition.

5. Which sports see this most?
Football, soccer, basketball, skiing, and hockey are common examples.

Educational Note

This article supports public education on ankle sprains, first aid awareness, workplace/sport relevance, and injury prevention. Healthcare professionals determine diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation plans.