What is a ‘high ankle sprain’?

 by Teresa Fox – Registered Physiotherapist FCAMPT

I know a lot if you were cheering on Team Canada at the recent World Junior Championships and in our house there was a collective gasp as our Guelph Storm representative Robby Fabbri went down and was helped off the ice.  Tests later confirmed that Fabbri had suffered a high ankle sprain….so what is that exactly you might ask.

A high ankle sprain involves tearing of the connective tissue that connects the two lower leg bones, the tibia (shin bone) and fibula.  But that’s not all that’s involved.  There are also several very strong ligaments around the ankle.  Ligaments run from bone to bone and protect the joint from moving too much.   With so much support between bones and around the ankle there needs to be a lot of force to tear them.  Common mechanisms of injury include a player colliding with another player, being hit with great speed and force, or twisting/pivoting suddenly on a planted foot.  The result is an unstable ankle…the exact opposite of what a hockey player needs!

These high ankle sprains can be very debilitating.  Your physiotherapist at South City Physiotherapy has the knowledge and skills to get athletes back into full participation.   After a thorough assessment your physiotherapist will discuss a treatment plan with you to help you achieve your goal as well as reassessments during your course of treatment.

Treatment may include: taping/bracing or a removable cast like Fabbri’s; modalities such as electrical stimulation, ultrasound, acupuncture; manual therapy; balance retraining exercises; strengthening exercises; functional training exercises; and finally advanced sport specific training exercises.

I’m guessing that Fabbri’s goal is to be back on the ice full steam before the end of the regular season and ready for the OHL playoff’s!