Ankle Sprain

High Versus Low Ankle Sprain

This week we witnessed an amazing performance by the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII, and one of the top story lines was the ankle injury that our franchise quarterback was battling for nearly 1 month! 

Since the injury occurred, we’ve been asked several times what our thoughts were on the outlook for Patrick Mahomes. From what we knew, he suffered a high ankle sprain. What’s tricky is there can be varying degrees of sprains. The saving grace for Mahomes is that he had a low grade sprain, meaning he could bear weight and has a very good chance of full recovery with conservative measures. The challenging part is that he still had football games to play before he had time to fully recover. 

So, what exactly is a high ankle sprain anyway, and how does it differ from a traditional ankle sprain?

The more common ankle sprain is referred to as a lateral ankle sprain. This is the classic rolling on the outside of the foot and placing strain on the ligaments that are along the side & front of the ankle.  

[INSERT IMAGE OF INVERSION ANKLE SPRAIN]

A high ankle sprain occurs when the ankle is twisted in a different direction, which puts strain on the ankle ligament structures that connect the tibia & fibula together. This cluster of ligaments is referred to as the ankle syndesmosis. It acts to fuse the two bones together, providing stabilization of the lower leg. 

[INSERT IMAGE OF HIGH ANKLE SPRAIN]

How long is the recovery for an ankle sprain?

When treated properly, the time can be cut down considerably.  However, the more severe the strain, the longer the recovery.  And when the grade of strain is high enough, sometimes immobilization and non weight bearing is recommended.  A minor sprain can recover within 2 weeks, while a more severe sprain can last 12 weeks or so.

What should you do if you sprain your ankle?

First and foremost, if you are unable to bear weight through the injured ankle, then you should go into an urgent care, preferably an orthopedic urgent care. It will need assessment and potentially x-rays to rule in or out fracture.

You’ll then want to start with some conservative measures of gentle mobility training, to help gradually restore the range of motion.  As tolerable, you will also want to work on restoring your balance and coordination. Gradually, you will want to work on restoring strength and then eventually running, jumping, cutting, etc.  You’re best off working with a knowledgeable Physical Therapist to ensure you are doing the proper sequencing and responding appropriately. 

How did Mahomes compete at the highest level in such a short timeframe?

There are a few things to consider when reviewing the recovery professional athletes have compared to the average Joe.  

• They have resources that the average person doesn’t – full service training at their fingertips, and the availability to rehab for hours each day.  It’s literally their job to rehab in order to get back to play.
• They have a medical team closely monitoring each day, likely several times each day to assess the status and provide necessary treatment.
• Professional athletes are a different breed. They push their bodies’ abilities on a regular basis, so they are very in tune with how they are feeling and knowing how and when they should push themselves.   
• Basically, it’s not a good idea to expect your recovery to mimic the recovery of a professional athlete.

In summary, ankle sprains happen. And they come with varying degrees of severity. Reach out to your friendly local PTs (that’s us) if you find yourself in this situation.  We’ll guide you down the right path for the quickest and safest recovery.