High Ankle Sprain Recovery with Gonstead Extremity Care in Sarasota
Ankle injuries are common in sports and everyday life, but not all sprains are the same. While most ankle sprains occur outside the ankle, a high ankle sprain affects different ligaments and often takes longer to heal. At Vertical Chiropractic® in Sarasota, we specialize in Gonstead extremity care to help patients recover faster and prevent long-term issues.
What Is a High Ankle Sprain?
A high ankle sprain is an injury to the syndesmotic ligaments — the tissues that connect the tibia (shinbone) and fibula (outer lower leg bone) just above the ankle joint. These ligaments stabilize the ankle and keep the two bones from separating when you bear weight. Unlike a typical ankle sprain, a high ankle sprain involves the ligaments above the ankle and often results from a twisting injury.
Causes of a High Ankle Sprain
High ankle sprains typically occur from:
Twisting the foot outward (external rotation) while the foot is planted.
Sudden cutting or pivoting movements in sports.
Direct trauma to the outside of the ankle or lower leg.
Falling or landing awkwardly after a jump.
Sports like football, soccer, basketball, hockey, and skiing have higher rates of this injury—making chiropractic care in Sarasota a valuable resource for athletes.
Symptoms of a High Ankle Sprain
High ankle sprains often present differently from typical ankle sprains. Common symptoms include:
Pain above the ankle, especially when walking or bearing weight.
Tenderness over the syndesmotic ligaments between the tibia and fibula.
Swelling and sometimes bruising in the front and above the ankle joint.
Pain that worsens with twisting movements of the foot.
A feeling of instability in the ankle.
If you experience these symptoms, seek early evaluation from a Gonstead chiropractor in Sarasota to avoid long-term complications.
How Gonstead Chiropractic Care Helps
While initial treatment for a high ankle sprain often includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), Gonstead chiropractic care in Sarasota supports recovery and helps prevent future injury by addressing underlying biomechanical and structural issues.
1. Identify Structural Imbalances
Misalignments in the foot, ankle, knee, or pelvis can change your movement and place extra stress on the syndesmotic ligaments. A Sarasota Gonstead chiropractor uses precise analysis to find and correct these imbalances.
2. Restore Joint Alignment
Gentle, specific adjustments to the ankle, foot, and related joints help restore proper movement and reduce stress on injured ligaments.
3. Support Nerve and Muscle Function
Correct spinal and extremity alignment improves nerve communication to the muscles that stabilize your ankle, helping you regain strength and balance.
4. Enhance Healing
Proper joint alignment enhances circulation and reduces inflammation, thereby creating a more favorable environment for tissue repair.
5. Prevent Recurrence
Your chiropractor can recommend exercises to strengthen your ankle, mobility drills, and adjustments to your footwear to help keep your ankle stable and resilient.
The Bottom Line
High ankle sprains can be stubborn injuries that require careful management. At Vertical Chiropractic® Sarasota, we use the Gonstead extremity approach to relieve pain, restore alignment, and support your body’s natural healing—without drugs or surgery. If you suspect a high ankle sprain, get evaluated early to return to your favorite activities quickly and safely.
