Syndesmosis Injuries: The High Ankle Sprain Explained

Not all ankle sprains are created equal. While most involve the ligaments on the outside of the ankle, a syndesmosis injury, commonly referred to as a high ankle sprain, affects a different, deeper set of ligaments and typically takes longer to heal. For athletes and active individuals, proper diagnosis and treatment are critical.

At Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery (VSON), we see syndesmosis injuries regularly, especially in skiers, snowboarders, and field sport athletes. If you’re searching for a foot doctor near me or suspect an ankle syndesmosis injury, here’s what you need to know.

What Is a Syndesmosis Injury?

The syndesmosis is a group of ligaments that connects the tibia and fibula just above the ankle joint. These ligaments help stabilize the ankle and keep the bones properly aligned during movement.

A syndesmosis injury occurs when the foot twists outward while the leg stays in place, a mechanism often seen in skiing, football, or basketball. Unlike a typical low ankle sprain, which may heal in a few weeks, an ankle syndesmosis injury can take much longer and may even require surgery in more severe cases.

Common Symptoms of a High Ankle Sprain

Many people mistake a syndesmosis injury for a standard sprain, but there are key differences:

• Pain that radiates above the ankle joint

• Difficulty bearing weight or walking

• Swelling in the front of the ankle

• Pain with squeezing the shin bones together

Because of the deeper ligament involvement, these injuries are often more painful and take longer to heal. If you’re experiencing these symptoms and searching for a foot doctor near me, don’t wait, a misdiagnosed high ankle sprain can lead to long-term instability.

Expert Diagnosis and Treatment at VSON

Dr. John Paul Elton, a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon at VSON, specializes in diagnosing and treating ankle syndesmosis injuries. “Syndesmosis injuries are frequently overlooked,” says Dr. Elton. “If not managed correctly from the beginning, they can lead to chronic pain, arthritis, or even early degeneration of the ankle joint.”

Depending on the severity, syndesmosis injuries may be treated with:

• Immobilization and non-weight bearing

• Physical therapy to restore strength and mobility

• Surgical fixation to realign and stabilize the joint

Dr. Elton tailors each recovery plan to the patient’s lifestyle, ensuring athletes and weekend warriors alike get the support they need to return to peak performance.

Patient Testimonial: Relief After a Misdiagnosis

“I injured my ankle skiing and was told it was just a regular sprain. But after weeks of pain and no improvement, I found Dr. Elton at VSON. He immediately recognized it as a syndesmosis injury, ordered the right imaging, and got me on a treatment plan. I ended up needing surgery, and thanks to his care, I was walking again within weeks and back on the slopes by the next season. I’m so grateful to have found such a skilled and compassionate foot doctor near me.”

– Ben R., Eagle, CO

Don’t Ignore Ongoing Ankle Pain

If your ankle pain is lingering longer than expected or if your injury doesn’t seem to be improving, it may be more than a basic sprain. Seeking early care from a qualified specialist can make all the difference.

If you’re searching for a foot doctor near me with expertise in ankle syndesmosis care, look no further than Dr. Elton and the team at VSON. From advanced diagnostics to surgical excellence, we’re here to help you heal, and get back to doing what you love.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. John Paul Elton at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery today to get the answers and care you deserve for your syndesmosis injury. With personalized treatment plans and expert guidance, VSON is your trusted resource for ankle syndesmosis recovery.