How long does it take for syndesmosis ligaments to heal?

Evidence suggests that syndesmosis sprains typically require 6 to 8 weeks for recovery, but this is variable. Chronic pain, instability, and functional limitations are common after syndesmosis sprains.

Are there any long term complications associated with a sprained ankle?

What Are Long-Term Complications Of Ankle Sprains? Improperly managed ankle sprains are believed to contribute to long-term complications, including chronic instability or arthritis in the ankle joint.

What causes syndesmosis injury?

This may be especially likely in sports where players wear cleats, which can plant the foot in place while the ankle is forced to rotate outwardly. It’s also a risk in sports that can involve a blow to the outside of the ankle. Injuries to the syndesmosis tend to involve sports such as: football.

Where does syndesmosis hurt?

An ankle syndesmosis injury is a common cause of pain at the front (anterior) of your ankle. This injury is also referred to as a high ankle sprain as it affects the ligaments above the ankle joint.

What ligament is damaged in a high ankle sprain?

So a high ankle sprain involves damage to a band of ligament tissue that connects the fibula and tibia called the Interosseous Membrane and damage to other ligaments such as the posterior and anterior Tibio-Fibular ligaments. Another part that can be damaged is the capsule that surrounds the ankle joint.

What is the fastest way to heal a high ankle sprain?

Treatment

1. Rest. Avoid activities that cause pain, swelling or discomfort.
2. Ice. Use an ice pack or ice slush bath immediately for 15 to 20 minutes and repeat every two to three hours while you’re awake.
3. Compression. To help stop swelling, compress the ankle with an elastic bandage until the swelling stops.
4. Elevation.

Why does my sprained ankle still hurt after 3 months?

“An ankle sprain that lingers beyond 3 months is often an injury to a bone, tendon or ligament that is unlikely to heal without intervention,” he says. “And the longer an ankle injury persists without proper treatment, the greater the likelihood that permanent disability will result.”

Can you fully recover from an ankle sprain?

They can take longer to heal and sometimes require longer than three months to resolve with treatments like splinting, wearing a boot or a walking cast, and physical therapy. With the proper treatment, however, your high ankle sprain can heal completely.

Does syndesmosis injury require surgery?

Surgery. Syndesmosis injuries that cause ankle instability may require surgery. Some doctors prefer to try nonsurgical treatment first. However, if at any point during treatment an X-ray shows a diastasis, surgery will probably be recommended.

Is a high ankle sprain worse than a break?

some sprains, particularly high ankle sprains, can be more severe and take lon- ger to heal than some simple fractures. A high ankle sprain can leave you on the sidelines for six to eight weeks. months or even years after an injury means the injury never healed properly.

Can a sprain or fracture affect the syndesmosis ligament?

Most ankle sprains and fractures don’t affect the syndesmosis ligament. When they do, it can be harder to diagnose and take longer to heal than other ankle injuries. You have a few syndesmosis joints in your spine, but this article is about the ankle syndesmosis.

What causes a high ankle sprain and syndesmosis?

High Ankle Sprain & Syndesmosis Injuries are traumatic injuries that affect the distal tibiofibular ligaments and most commonly occur due to sudden external rotation of the ankle. Diagnosis is suspected clinically with tenderness over the syndesmosis which worsens with squeezing of the tibia and fibula together at the midcalf.

How long does it take to heal a syndesmosis sprain?

Recovery time following syndesmosis sprain can take twice as long as recovery from other ankle sprains. Untreated, severe syndesmotic injuries can lead to chronic instability and degenerative arthritis. Before your doctor can recommend treatment, they have to fully assess the degree of the syndesmosis injury.

How is a syndesmotic sprain different from a lateral sprain?

The syndesmotic sprain is also a less-understood form of ankle sprain injury in comparison with the lateral ankle sprain. Syndesmotic injuries involve disruption of the ligamentous structures between the distal fibula and tibia, just proximal to the ankle joint.