If you have landed on this page, you might be wondering about the syndesmosis injury recovery time. In this blog post, we’ll shed light on a syndesmosis injury, also called a high ankle sprain – a common yet usually overlooked concern with implications for daily life. Understanding a syndesmosis sprain is not only important for fitness enthusiasts and athletes, but also for anyone looking for a healthy lifestyle.
What is a Syndesmosis Injury?
A syndesmosis injury, also known as a high ankle sprain, is an injury that impacts the syndesmotic ligaments that link the tibia and fibula bones in the lower leg. Unlike a typical lateral ankle sprain, a syndesmosis sprain happens when there is damage to the ligaments that hold the fibula and tibia together above the ankle joint.
Syndesmosis Injury Symptoms
Syndesmotic sprains present differently from common ankle sprains. Syndesmosis injury symptoms may include:
- You may experience pain above the ankle joint that can radiate up the leg.
- Tenderness and swelling across the outside or front of the ankle.
- You may find it difficult to bear weight. Pivoting, walking, or pushing off the toes are usually painful.
- A feeling of instability.
- Reduced function: It might be difficult to run or change direction, especially in sports.
High Ankle Sprain Recovery Time: How Long Does It Take to Heal?
The severity of a syndesmosis injury is usually divided using a three-grade system, depending on the severity of the condition.
- Grade I: Grade I injuries include a mild stretching of the syndesmotic ligaments. Symptoms include minimal swelling, mild pain, and minimal loss of function. An athlete who struggles with a grade I injury may be able to bear weight and walk normally. However, a syndesmosis injury with grade I may take up to six weeks to heal, and a return to sporting activity may take slightly longer based on the demands of the sport.
- Grade II: A partial tear of one or more of the syndesmotic ligaments may be involved in grade II syndesmosis injuries. You may experience more damage than in a grade I injury. This can lead to swelling, moderate pain, and functional limitations. You may find it difficult to bear weight and the ankle may feel unstable during certain movements. Generally, syndesmosis recovery time for a grade II syndesmosis injury is between six to twelve weeks.
- Grade III: A grade III syndesmosis injury involves a complete tear of one or more of the syndesmotic ligaments. The ligaments are disrupted, leading to instability of the ankle joint. Symptoms of a grade III syndesmosis injury include significant swelling, severe pain, and functional impairment. In grade III, weight-bearing may be extremely difficult or nearly impossible, and the ankle may feel completely unstable. Grade III syndesmosis injury recovery time is between three to six months.
Syndesmosis Injury Treatment
- Rest and immobilisation: Firstly, the ankle may be immobilised using a cast, brace, or walking boot, allowing the ligaments to recover. Crutches may be helpful for weight-bearing and to prevent further injury.
- Ice and elevation: Elevating and applying ice to the ankle can help reduce pain and swelling.
- Physiotherapy: Once the critical phase subsides, physiotherapy is crucial to restore range of motion, strength, and stability to the ankle. If you reach us for physiotherapy Glenroy, our physiotherapist may suggest therapeutic exercises, such as strengthening exercises, range-of-motion exercises, functional activities, and balance and proprioceptive training. Our physiotherapists help diagnose the level of injury and suggest a personalised high ankle sprain treatment plan, depending on your level of injury and help you return to your daily/sports routine.
- Return to activity gradually: The individual’s return to sport or activity depends on the severity of the injury and progress made in rehabilitation. A gradual return to sport-specific training, weight-bearing, and higher-level activities is recommended.
Conclusion
If you have recently injured your ankle or are experiencing an ongoing syndesmosis injury, don’t hesitate to contact our friendly and experienced team at Magnus Medical Centre Glenroy. We are here to help you achieve a pain-free lifestyle and get you back to the sport you love.
Other Services:
Psychologist glenroy
