I figured I might as well talk about how to treat high ankle sprains with chiropractic, acupuncture and physiotherapy modalities since I have one! I just injured my right ankle Sunday morning skiing at Copper Mountain, and man it is no fun. I do plan on being back at it in 4 weeks. Most people would say no way, high ankle sprains take at least 6 weeks and then some. I say, not if you are aggressive with treatment! So here’s the nuts and bolts:
A high ankle sprain is usually caused by outward twisting of the foot and ankle. This disrupts the ligament that holds the two long bones of the lower leg together. This ligament is called the syndesmosis, thus the medical terminology for a high ankle sprain is a sydesmotic ankle sprain. Mid point calf tenderness is one of the signs of this sprain. You may or may not be able to walk with this injury, all depending on the severity. Very severe cases can require surgery that holds the two bones together and lets the ligament heal. In my case the sprain happened when I twisted in my ski boot when I got knocked off edge and twisted uphill. I could still ski on the leg, just not to the point I would have liked!
For the treatment:
First off, high doses of proteolytic enzymes to reduce inflammation and clear debris from repair. I am using 2 products from Nutri-West, Pro-Infa Zyme and Lyso-lyph Forte. Both taken on an empty stomach.
I went to my chiropractor (yes I need one just like you) and he did an xray to make sure the fibula was not fractured. Now while I don’t condone the use of x-ray most of the time, when you have a trauma its not a bad idea. No fracture was found so that was good.
Elevation of the leg is a good idea to help with swelling. Ice for 10 minutes on, 10 off, 10 on at least 3 times a day. I have also been using cold laser therapy to stimulate ATP production and enhance healing. Cold laser therapy will also help reduce the amount of scar tissue formation. Ionic cleanse detoxification is good to help stimulate the lymph system to clear debris from the injury. I have my ankle wrapped to help with stabilization, however a boot or cast may be required due to the severity. Acupuncture is also a good idea to stimulate healing and decrease pain. Chiropractic manipulation to the knee and ankle to ensure proper alignment will help the recovery process. Since there is a change in the way you walk, you probably will need spinal manipulation especially to the sacro-iliac joints. The last thing I am doing to recover is using Kinesio-tape. This helps lymph flow and also adds some bracing effect.
Hopefully you won’t have to go through this treatment, but if you know someone with this injury there are many things that can be done to recover faster.
Yours in Health,
Dr. J
Syndesmosis
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